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What are the average values of pulse rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, and body temperature for infants aged 1 month to 1 year?

User Espinal
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Final answer:

Infants between 1 month and 1 year old typically have an average heart rate of around 120 bpm, with a respiratory rate between 30 and 60 breaths per minute. Blood pressure and body temperature in infants can vary, with systolic blood pressure increasing from birth to adult levels and normal body temperature being around 98.6°F. The Apgar score is used at 1 and 5 minutes post-birth to assess an infant's health.

Step-by-step explanation:

The average physiological values for infants aged between 1 month and 1 year are specific for this age group due to their rapid development. The average heart rate (HR) for infants is about 120 beats per minute (bpm), although it can vary as newborn resting HRs can be 120 bpm and as the infant grows, this rate gradually decreases. The respiratory rate for infants under 1 year is normally between 30 and 60 breaths per minute. Over time, this rate will decrease until it reaches the normal adult respiratory rate of 12 to 18 breaths per minute by adolescence.

When considering blood pressure, infants have a wide range of normal values, and systolic blood pressure generally increases from about 70-100 mm Hg at birth to more adult levels over time. Normal body temperature for an infant is similar to that of adults, which is approximately 98.6°F (37°C), although it might be slightly higher in infants.

The Apgar score, assessing skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration, is used immediately after birth to evaluate an infant's general condition at 1 minute and 5 minutes, with scores of 8 or above being normal. Scores lower than 7 may signal the need for medical attention. This scale reflects the infant's health at birth and is not typically used to measure ongoing vital signs.

User Denzz
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