Of the following readings, which vital sign is not within normal limits?
O Blood pressure of 162/102 mm Hg
◇ Pulse of 90 beats per minute
O Respiration of 18 breaths per minute
O Temperature of 98.6° F



Answer :

Let's analyze each of the vital signs provided in the readings and compare them with the normal ranges:

1. Blood Pressure:
- Provided reading: 162/102 mm Hg
- Normal range for systolic (upper number): 90 - 120 mm Hg
- Normal range for diastolic (lower number): 60 - 80 mm Hg

Comparing the provided reading with the normal range:
- Systolic: 162 mm Hg (which is above the normal range of 90 - 120 mm Hg)
- Diastolic: 102 mm Hg (which is above the normal range of 60 - 80 mm Hg)

Since both systolic and diastolic values are above the normal range, the blood pressure reading is not within normal limits.

2. Pulse:
- Provided reading: 90 beats per minute
- Normal range: 60 - 100 beats per minute

The reading of 90 beats per minute falls within the normal range.

3. Respiration:
- Provided reading: 18 breaths per minute
- Normal range: 12 - 20 breaths per minute

The reading of 18 breaths per minute falls within the normal range.

4. Temperature:
- Provided reading: 98.6°F
- Normal range: 97.8° - 99.1°F

The reading of 98.6°F falls within the normal range.

In summary, among the provided readings, the blood pressure of 162/102 mm Hg is the vital sign that is not within normal limits.