Quick Reference
Typical Resting Adult Values
| Vital Sign | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature (oral) | Approximately 36.5–37.3°C (97.7–99.1°F) |
| Pulse | 60–100 beats/min |
| Respirations | Approximately 12–20 breaths/min |
| Blood Pressure | Normal category: below 120/80 mmHg |
| Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) | Often 95–100% at sea level |
| Pain | 0–10 scale, self-reported |
Important: These are general adult reference values, not universal normal ranges or automatic CNA reporting thresholds.
Blood Pressure Categories — Adults
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | AND less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | AND less than 80 |
| Stage 1 Hypertension | 130–139 | OR 80–89 |
| Stage 2 Hypertension | 140 or higher | OR 90 or higher |
| Severe Hypertension | Higher than 180 | AND/OR higher than 120 |
| Hypotension | Less than 90 | Less than 60 |
Note: Blood pressure categories are classification guides. A diagnosis generally requires properly obtained readings over time.
Common Clinical Terminology
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tachycardia | Faster-than-expected heart rate |
| Bradycardia | Slower-than-expected heart rate |
| Tachypnea | Faster-than-expected respiratory rate |
| Bradypnea | Slower-than-expected respiratory rate |
| Hypertension | High blood pressure |
| Hypotension | Low blood pressure |
| Hypoxemia | Abnormally low oxygen in arterial blood |
| Fever (Pyrexia) | Elevated body temperature |
| Hypothermia | Abnormally low body temperature |
Important Considerations
- Normal measurements vary with age, health conditions, activity, medications, and measurement method.
- Temperature varies by measurement site.
- Some residents have individualized oxygen saturation targets.
- A pulse oximeter estimates saturation; it does not measure ventilation or carbon dioxide.
- Symptoms and changes from baseline can be more concerning than a number alone.
- Use the facility’s reporting parameters and follow urgent escalation procedures.
- Very high blood pressure with chest pain, breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms requires emergency evaluation.
Related
- Vital Signs
- Measuring Blood Pressure
- Blood Pressure
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
- Recognizing Patient Distress
Sources
- MedlinePlus — Vital Signs
- American Heart Association — Blood Pressure Categories
- Facility vital-sign reporting policy
Flashcards
What is a commonly taught resting adult pulse range?01-foundations / reference-guidelines
Answer
60–100 beats per minute.
What is a commonly taught resting adult respiratory range?01-foundations / reference-guidelines
Answer
About 12–20 breaths per minute.
Why must normal ranges not replace clinical reporting parameters?03-application / reference-guidelines
Answer
Symptoms, baseline, and ordered thresholds can differ.