The student nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 10-year-old client

The student nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 10-year-old client. The expected values for a client of this age are:

1. P = 140 beats/min, R = 50 breaths/min, BP = 80/50 mm Hg
2. P = 100 beats/min, R = 40 breaths/min, BP = 90/60 mm Hg
3. P = 80 beats/min, R = 22 breaths/min, BP = 110/70 mm Hg
4. P = 60 beats/min, R = 12 breaths/min, BP = 160/90 mm Hg

ANSWER

ANS: 3
These are expected findings of a 10-year-old client. The normal pulse range for a 10-year-old is 75-100 beats/min; the normal respiratory rate is 20-30 breaths/min. The expected blood pressure range for a 7-year-old is 87-117/48-64 mm Hg; children who are larger (e.g., heavier and/or taller) have higher blood pressures. The average blood pressure for a 10-year-old is 110/65 mm Hg mm Hg. P = 140 beats/min, R = 50 breaths/min, BP = 80/50 mm Hg; P = 100 beats/min, R = 40 breaths/min, BP = 90/60 mm Hg; and P = 60 beats/min, R = 12 breaths/min, BP = 160/90 mm Hg are not expected values of a 10-year-old client.