Which statement best describes the accepted adult normal range for resting respiratory rate, pulse, and oral temperature when documenting vital signs?
- ARespirations 12 to 20 per minute, pulse 60 to 100 bpm, oral temperature 36.5 to 37.5 C. Correct
- BRespirations 8 to 14 per minute, pulse 50 to 90 bpm, oral temperature 35.5 to 36.5 C.
- CRespirations 20 to 30 per minute, pulse 80 to 120 bpm, oral temperature 37.5 to 38.5 C.
- DRespirations 16 to 24 per minute, pulse 70 to 110 bpm, oral temperature 36.0 to 37.0 C.
Why A is correct: These figures match the conventional adult reference ranges taught for vital sign documentation: 12 to 20 breaths per minute, 60 to 100 beats per minute, and 36.5 to 37.5 C (97.7 to 99.5 F) oral temperature.
Why B is wrong: The respiratory floor of 8 and pulse floor of 50 fall below accepted adult norms, and 35.5 C is hypothermic, so this combined range is incorrect even though some athletic adults briefly approach these figures.
Why C is wrong: Twenty to thirty breaths per minute and 80 to 120 bpm are typical of infants or toddlers, and 37.5 to 38.5 C indicates a low-grade fever, so the set describes a febrile child rather than a healthy adult.
Why D is wrong: Although the values overlap normal at the edges, the upper respiratory rate of 24 and pulse of 110 cross into tachypnoea and tachycardia, so the combined range is not the accepted adult norm.