Pediatric Vital Signs

Temperature

• Usually measure axillary.
• Timing:
  • Continued
  • Intermittent
  • Remittent
  • Relapsing
• Nomenlature:.
  • Hyperpyrexia: >41.6°C
  • Hypothermia: <35°C

Pulse

• Measure for 15 seconds, then multiple by 4 to get rate/min.
• Usually measure radial and femoral.
• Assess rhythm, character, delays.
• See Pulse Exam ( find this thread in STEP - 3 )

Respiratory rate

• Measure while baby isn't crying, hence usually at the start of examination.

Blood pressure

• Requirements of a pediatric BP cuff:
  • Bladder covers 2/3 of the upper arm.
  • Bladder is 1/2 width of upper arm.
  • Cuff goes all the way around.
• Measure R arm, keep at level of heart.

Normal values by age
Age: Neonate
Respiratory rate: 30-60
HR awake: 100-180
HR sleeping: 80-160
Systolic BP: 70-100
Diastolic BP: 50-65

Age: 6 months
Respiratory rate: 25-50
HR awake: 120-160
HR sleeping: 80-180
Systolic BP: 87-105
Diastolic BP: 53-66

Age: 2 years
Respiratory rate: 18-35
HR awake: 80-150
HR sleeping: 70-120
Systolic BP: 90-106
Diastolic BP: 55-67

Age: 5 years
Respiratory rate: 17-27
HR awake: 80-110
HR sleeping: 60-90
Systolic BP: 94-109
Diastolic BP: 56-69

Age: 10 years
Respiratory rate: 15-23
HR awake: 70-110
HR sleeping: 60-90
Systolic BP: 102-117
Diastolic BP: 62-75

Age: >10 years
Respiratory rate: 55-100
HR awake: 50-90
HR sleeping: 105-128
Systolic BP: 66-80
Diastolic BP: 10-23