Which vital sign value is outside the expected reference range?

Which vital sign value is outside the expected reference range?

• A. Pulse rate 90/min
• B. Rectal temp 38C (100.4F)
• C. Pulse oximetry 95%
• D. BP 145/90 mmHG

Answer: (D)

Understanding normal vital sign ranges helps you spot when something may be off. For adults, normal resting values include a pulse of about 60–100 beats per minute, oxygen saturation around 95–100%, and a body temperature near 36.5–37.5 C (97.7–99.5 F). Blood pressure should be under 120 systolic and under 80 diastolic. A blood pressure reading of 145/90 mmHg exceeds these norms on both numbers, which makes it outside the expected range and signals hypertension risk. The other values fall within typical limits: a pulse of 90 is normal, an SpO2 of 95% is acceptable, and a rectal temperature of 38 C is at fever range but still commonly considered less outside than a markedly elevated BP.

Understanding normal vital sign ranges helps you spot when something may be off. For adults, normal resting values include a pulse of about 60–100 beats per minute, oxygen saturation around 95–100%, and a body temperature near 36.5–37.5 C (97.7–99.5 F). Blood pressure should be under 120 systolic and under 80 diastolic.

A blood pressure reading of 145/90 mmHg exceeds these norms on both numbers, which makes it outside the expected range and signals hypertension risk. The other values fall within typical limits: a pulse of 90 is normal, an SpO2 of 95% is acceptable, and a rectal temperature of 38 C is at fever range but still commonly considered less outside than a markedly elevated BP.