Vital Signs: A Quick Reference Guide

Vital signs are the first and fastest window into a patient's condition, and knowing the normal adult ranges cold is non-negotiable for both practice and exams.

Heart rate

A normal adult resting heart rate falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Rates below 60 (bradycardia) or above 100 (tachycardia) are not automatically dangerous, but they should prompt you to look for a cause, especially if the patient also looks unwell.

Respiratory rate

Normal adult breathing at rest is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Respiratory rate is often the first vital sign to change when a patient is deteriorating, so it deserves more attention than it usually gets.

Blood pressure

A typical healthy adult blood pressure sits between roughly 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. Readings consistently above this range suggest hypertension, while readings well below it can indicate shock, dehydration, or bleeding.

Temperature

Normal oral temperature is approximately 36.5°C to 37.5°C. A fever generally means the body is fighting infection or inflammation, while a low temperature can signal sepsis, exposure, or a metabolic problem.

Oxygen saturation

Healthy SpO2 readings sit between 95% and 100%. Values dropping below this range warrant immediate assessment of the airway and breathing, since low oxygen saturation can progress quickly.

Putting it together

No single vital sign should be read in isolation. A patient with a normal heart rate but rising respiratory rate and falling oxygen saturation is still deteriorating, and trends over time often reveal more than any one measurement.

This guide is for educational revision only. Always follow your national curriculum, workplace protocols and official clinical guidelines.