A 3-year-old admitted to the hospital with croup has the following vital signs: heart rate 90, respiratory rate 48, blood pressure 100/52, and temperature 98.8°F (37.1°C). The parents ask the nurse if these vital signs are normal. The nurse’s best response is:
A.
“Your son’s respiratory rate is elevated, but the other vital signs are within the normal range.”
B.
“Your son’s heart rate is elevated, but the other vital signs are within the normal range.”
C.
“Your son’s blood pressure is elevated, but the other vital signs are within the normal range.”
D.
“Your son’s temperature is elevated, but the other vital signs are within the normal range.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answer: A. “Your son’s respiratory rate is elevated, but the other vital signs are within the normal range.”
Explanation:
When assessing vital signs in a 3-year-old child with croup, it’s essential to understand the normal ranges for pediatric vital signs and how they may be affected by the condition. The vital signs for this child are:
- Heart rate: 90 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 48 breaths per minute
- Blood pressure: 100/52 mmHg
- Temperature: 98.8°F (37.1°C)
1. Heart Rate: For a 3-year-old, a normal heart rate typically ranges from 80 to 130 beats per minute. The child’s heart rate of 90 beats per minute falls within this normal range, indicating that it is not elevated.
2. Respiratory Rate: The normal respiratory rate for a 3-year-old child is between 20 and 30 breaths per minute. The child’s respiratory rate of 48 breaths per minute is elevated. An increased respiratory rate is common in croup due to airway inflammation and constriction, leading to more rapid breathing as the child attempts to get adequate oxygen.
3. Blood Pressure: The normal blood pressure range for a 3-year-old typically falls between 90/50 mmHg and 110/70 mmHg. The child’s blood pressure of 100/52 mmHg is within this normal range, indicating that it is not elevated.
4. Temperature: The normal body temperature for a child is around 98.6°F (37°C). The child’s temperature of 98.8°F (37.1°C) is within the normal range, suggesting no fever.
Given these observations, the only vital sign that is outside the expected normal range for a 3-year-old is the elevated respiratory rate. Therefore, the best response is that the child’s respiratory rate is elevated, but other vital signs are within normal limits. This response accurately addresses the abnormal finding in the context of the child’s overall condition.