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Neck pulse
Neck pulse

Vital signs
Definition:

Vital signs are physical signs that indicate an individual is alive, such as heart beat, respiratory rate, temperature, and blood pressure. These signs can be observed, measured, and monitored to assess level of physical functioning of an individual. Normal ranges of measurements of vital signs may change with age, sex, weight, exercise tolerance, and condition.

Normal ranges for the average healthy adult:

Temperature: 97.8-99.1 degrees Fahrenheit / average 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Respirations: 12-18 respirations (breaths) per minute
Pulse: 60-80 beats per minute (at rest)

Blood Pressure:

  • Systolic: 110-140 mm of mercury (mm Hg)
  • Diastolic: 75-85 mm Hg
  • Average: 120/80 mm Hg
Review Date: 11/7/2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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