Adolescents are typically 13 to 18 years old. Which vitals are correct?

• A. Age: 13-18 y/o; HR 60-100; RR 12-16; Min BP >90 systolic
• B. Age: 6-12 y/o; HR 70-120; RR 18-30; Min BP >80 systolic
• C. Age: 3-5 y/o; HR 80-140; RR 22-34; Min BP >75 systolic
• D. Age: <1 y/o; HR 100-160; RR 30-60; Min BP >65 systolic

Answer: (A)

Vital signs change with age, and adolescents have values closer to adult norms. For someone aged 13–18, a typical resting heart rate is about 60–100 beats per minute, a respiratory rate around 12–20 breaths per minute, and a minimum systolic blood pressure greater than about 90 mmHg. This combination aligns with adolescent physiology.

So the description that lists age 13–18 with HR 60–100, RR 12–16, and SBP >90 fits the adolescent pattern best. The other descriptions describe younger children, whose heart rates and respiratory rates are higher and whose minimum SBP thresholds are different, making them inappropriate for adolescence.