🧠 Vital Signs for NCLEX: Normal Ranges, Red Flags & What to Do
From a tachycardic trauma patient to a hypothermic post-op client, vital signs are everything on the NCLEX. Knowing how to interpret, act on, and prioritize them is the foundation of safe nursing care.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
The normal vital signs ranges (adults + infants)
What high vs low trends indicate
Red flags and when to act fast
A KOTC visual chart
Mnemonics and NCLEX-style questions
🧬 Normal Vital Sign Ranges
| Vital Sign | Adult Range | Infant Range |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 97.8–99.1°F (36.5–37.3°C) | 97.5–99.5°F (36.4–37.5°C) |
| Pulse (HR) | 60–100 bpm | 100–160 bpm |
| Respirations | 12–20 breaths/min | 30–60 breaths/min |
| Blood Pressure | 90/60 – 120/80 mmHg | 65/40 – 100/70 mmHg |
| SpO₂ | ≥ 95% | ≥ 95% |
🚨 Vital Sign Red Flags to Know for NCLEX
| Vital Sign | Critical Values | Nursing Action |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | > 101°F | Suspect infection → antipyretics + culture |
| Heart Rate | < 50 or > 120 bpm | Assess meds, check perfusion |
| Respiratory Rate | < 10 or > 30 | Support airway, call provider if unstable |
| Blood Pressure | < 90/60 mmHg | Lay flat, give fluids, alert HCP |
| SpO₂ | < 90% | Apply O₂, assess ABGs, notify MD |
🧠 Mnemonics for Vitals
“T-PR-BOS” = Temp, Pulse, Resp, BP, O₂, SpO₂
Easy way to remember the full set of six key vitals.
“HOT-BRADY-SLOW-LOW-LOW” = Bad Signs
HOT → Temp > 101°F
BRADY → HR < 50
SLOW → RR < 10
LOW → BP < 90/60
LOW → SpO₂ < 90%
If you see 2 or more red flags, prepare to intervene before calling the provider.
📝 Sample NCLEX Question
You assess an elderly client with RR = 34, HR = 122, and SpO₂ = 89%. What is your first action?
A. Notify the provider
B. Apply nasal cannula O₂ ✅
C. Call rapid response
D. Check blood glucose
Rationale: Always treat the hypoxia first, especially with SpO₂ < 90%. Then assess cause and escalate.
🧠 KOTC Study Tips
📊 Review visual vitals flashcards daily
🎯 Use QOTDs with abnormal trends and interventions
🎮 Play multiplayer “Vitals Check Challenge” mode
📈 Track your speed & accuracy in adaptive vitals practice
Explore all at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience
🧬 Before You Go…
King of the Curve helps you master NCLEX fundamentals with:
Illustrated concepts you remember
Daily strategy questions
Gamified prep that builds speed + safety
Over 100,000 learners and counting
🚀 Call to Action
✅ Play the vitals simulation now → kingofthecurve.org/trial-sessions
✅ Claim your free NCLEX vitals cheat sheet → kingofthecurve.org/free-lifetime
✅ Answer today’s question → kingofthecurve.org/qotd
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