Vital signs are one of the first and most important assessments a nurse performs. They give quick insight into a patient’s overall condition and help identify early signs of deterioration.
In this guide, we’ll explain normal vital signs ranges for nurses in a simple, clear way, making it easier for nursing students and nurses to remember and apply them in practice.
What Are Vital Signs in Nursing?
Vital signs are basic measurements that reflect essential body functions. Nurses use them to:
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Assess a patient’s health status
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Monitor changes over time
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Detect early warning signs
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Guide clinical decision-making
Vital signs are usually measured during admission, routine checks, and whenever a patient’s condition changes.
The Five Main Vital Signs
In nursing practice, vital signs include:
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Body temperature
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Pulse (heart rate)
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Respiratory rate
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Blood pressure
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Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
Let’s look at each one in detail.
1️⃣ Body Temperature (Normal Range)
Body temperature reflects the balance between heat produced and heat lost by the body.
Normal adult range:
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36.5°C – 37.5°C
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97.7°F – 99.5°F
Important notes:
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Fever is generally considered ≥ 38°C (100.4°F)
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Hypothermia is < 35°C (95°F)
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Temperature may vary based on age, activity, and time of day
2️⃣ Pulse (Heart Rate)
Pulse measures the number of heartbeats per minute and reflects cardiac function.
Normal adult pulse:
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60–100 beats per minute (bpm)
Nursing tips:
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Athletes may have a lower resting pulse
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Tachycardia: > 100 bpm
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Bradycardia: < 60 bpm
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Always assess rhythm, strength, and regularity
3️⃣ Respiratory Rate
Respiratory rate indicates how often a patient breathes per minute.
Normal adult range:
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12–20 breaths per minute
Important points:
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Count respirations discreetly
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Rapid or shallow breathing may indicate distress
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Changes in respiratory rate often occur before other vital signs change
4️⃣ Blood Pressure (BP)
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls.
Normal adult blood pressure:
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Systolic: less than 120 mmHg
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Diastolic: less than 80 mmHg
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Written as: 120/80 mmHg
Key nursing terms:
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Hypotension: low blood pressure
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Hypertension: high blood pressure
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Always consider patient baseline and symptoms
5️⃣ Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Oxygen saturation shows how much oxygen is carried in the blood.
Normal range:
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95%–100%
Nursing considerations:
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Levels below 90% may indicate hypoxia
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COPD patients may have lower baseline SpO₂
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Ensure proper probe placement for accuracy
Normal Vital Signs Summary Table
| Vital Sign | Normal Adult Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 36.5°C – 37.5°C |
| Pulse | 60–100 bpm |
| Respiratory Rate | 12–20 breaths/min |
| Blood Pressure | <120/80 mmHg |
| Oxygen Saturation | 95%–100% |
Factors That Can Affect Vital Signs
Vital signs can change due to:
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Age
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Activity or exercise
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Stress or anxiety
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Pain
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Medications
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Illness or infection
Always interpret vital signs in context, not as isolated numbers.
Common Vital Signs Mistakes in Nursing
Avoid these common errors:
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Using incorrect cuff size for blood pressure
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Not counting respirations for a full minute
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Ignoring abnormal trends
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Failing to reassess after interventions
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Recording inaccurate values
Accurate measurement is a key nursing responsibility.
Vital Signs in Nursing Exams
Vital signs questions are common in:
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Nursing school exams
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Clinical evaluations
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NCLEX-style questions
Exams often test:
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Normal ranges
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Interpretation of abnormal values
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Prioritization and nursing actions
Memorizing normal ranges makes exam questions much easier.
Final Thoughts
Vital signs provide essential information about a patient’s health and are a foundation of nursing assessment. By understanding normal ranges and recognizing abnormal findings, nurses can act quickly and provide safe, effective care.
Practice measuring vital signs regularly, and always trust both the numbers and your clinical judgment.
🔒 Educational Reminder
This content is for educational purposes only and not medical advice.
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