2025 – PAGE 457 – PEDIATRIC VITAL SIGNS
Chapter 31: PEDIATRIC VITAL SIGNS
NOTES: This section on pediatric vital signs also has some GREAT TIPS AND TRICKS to getting some easy points from the American Board of Pediatrics’ board exams. Again, the numbers have been rounded in order to make them easier to memorize. Keep in mind that there is tremendous variability in the literature around normal vital sign ranges so keep the clinical picture in mind rather than absolute numbers.
PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY RATES
We’re generally taught that a normal respiratory rate (RR) in a newborn may be up to 40 or 60 (depending on the residency program). But what about a 3-year-old? Use the following table to guide you for other ages.
| NORMAL RESPIRATORY RATE RANGES | |
| DAY 0 – 7 | 30 – 55 |
| DAY 7 – 365 | 25 – 40 |
| YEAR 1 – 5 | 20 – 30 |
| YEAR 5 – 12 | 15 – 30 |
| > 12 YEARS | 12 – 20 |
PEDIATRIC HEART RATE OR PULSE
The following table will guide your understanding of a child’s pulse. These ranges are for a child at rest.
| NORMAL HEART RATE AT REST BY AGE | |
| DAY 0 – 30 | 100 – 160 |
| DAY 30 – 365 | 90 – 160 |
| YEAR 1 – 3 | 80 – 120 |
| YEAR 3 – 12 | 65 – 110 |
| > 12 YEARS | 50 – 100 |
PEDIATRIC BLOOD PRESSURE
The normal pediatric blood pressure range for a child is based on his or her age and percentile for height. Keep the following values in mind for children who are at the 50th percentile for height:
- For a NEWBORN, a systolic BP (at 95th percentile) of < 90 mmHg and > 60 mmHg
- For a 1-YEAR-OLD, a systolic BP (at 95th percentile) of < 100 mmHg and > 70 mmHg
- For 2 to 10-YEAR-OLD, a systolic BP (at 95th percentile) of < 110 mmHg and > 70 mmHg + (age in year x 2)
- For a > 10-YEAR-OLD, a systolic BP (at 95th percentile) of < 120 mmHg and > 90 mmHg
- LINK FOR BLOOD PRESSURE NORMS BY AGE AND HEIGHT PERCENTILE: www.pbrlinks.com/BPGUIDE