Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which of the following vital signs in a 12-month-old infant should be reported to the provider?

1. Respiratory rate 26/min.

2. Blood pressure 88/40 mm Hg.

3. Heart rate 175/min.

4. Temperature 37.6° C (99.7° F).

The correct answer is: Heart rate 175/min.

In a 12-month-old infant, a heart rate of 175 beats per minute should be reported to the provider because it falls outside the normal resting heart rate range for this age group, which is typically between 80 and 160 beats per minute. A heart rate at the upper end of this range or above can indicate potential issues such as fever, dehydration, or other medical conditions that may require further evaluation. Early recognition and reporting of abnormal vital signs are crucial in pediatric care, as infants can deteriorate rapidly if an underlying problem goes unnoticed. The other vital signs, while they could be on the higher or lower side of normal limits, still fall within ranges that are generally considered acceptable for a healthy 12-month-old. A respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute is within the normal range of 24 to 40 breaths per minute for infants. A blood pressure of 88/40 mm Hg also aligns with expected parameters for infants, and a temperature of 37.6° C (99.7° F) is only slightly elevated but typically not cause for alarm unless accompanied by other symptoms.