Normal Vital Signs and Head to Toe Assessment Presented by: Danyel Dorn RN, MSN, CPN Pediatric Clinical Educator
Purpose In order to provide safe care to pediatric patients recovering from anesthesia requires knowledge of normal vital signs and is impacted by the various stages of growth and development.
Competency Statement The perianesthesia nurse will recognize normal and abnormal vital signs for the pediatric population and identify the required elements of complete head to toe assessment of the patient.
Newborn (0-3 month) Heart Rate: 115-155 bpm BP: 65-85/45-55 RR: 38-53 Temp: 37.5-37.7
Infant 3-6 months 6-12 months Heart Rate: 130-150 BP: 70-90/50-65 RR: 36-50 6-12 months Heart Rate: 115-150 BP: 80-100/55-65 RR: 35-48
Toddlers (1-2 yrs old) Heart rate: 105-135 BP: 83-90/36-46 RR: 27-44 Temp: 37.2-37.7
Preschool (3-5 yrs old) Heart Rate: 90-118 BP: 87-96/45-55 RR: 21-28 Temp: 37-37.2
School-Aged 6-11 year olds 12-14 year olds Heart rate: 75-105 BP: 87-96/45-55 RR: 21-28 Temp: 36.7-37 12-14 year olds Heart Rate: 65-90 BP: 104-113/61-65 RR: 14-20
Adolescent (13-18 years) Heart rate: 65-105 BP: 110-133/63-83 RR: 16-22 Temp: 36.6-37
Neurologic Assessment Patient’s level of consciousness Pupils Level of sedation Presence of pain Sensory and motor function
Respiratory Assessment Airway patency Quality of breathing/bilateral breath sounds Presence of artificial airway Pulse oximetry Ventilator settings (home vent-> have set up in PACU/MD) If patient is on Bipap/Cpap at night, they need to bring it day of procedure/MD
Cardiovascular Abnormal cardiac rhythms Presence and strength of pulses (apical/peripheral) Skin color and general perfusion Presence/patency of IV access BP (upper & lower extremities to R/O cardiovascular abnormalities) Presence of edema
Gastrointestinal Assessment Presence of bowel sounds in all 4 quadrants Inspect/palpate the abdomen Determine NPO status Genitourinary assessment Presence of drains or catheters Determine intake and output
Musculoskeletal Assessment Assess extremities Evaluate for presence of assistive devices, contractures and deformities Identify casts, immobilizers or splints Evaluate skin appearance, cap refill, distal pulses and sensation
Integumentary Assessment Overall appearance, lesions, rashes Identify and document presence of skin conditions, wounds, dressings, abrasions, bruises, redness, ulcerations, breakdown Identify abnormal bruising that may indicate child abuse
Reference ASPAN (2016). A Competency Based Orientation and Credentialing Program for the Registered Nurse Caring for the Pediatric Patient in the Perianesthesia Setting.
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