Final answer:
Pediatric patients have faster heart and breathing rates that decrease with age, and their blood pressure starts lower and increases as they grow. Pediatric assessments often include the Apgar score, which evaluates new babies on factors such as heart rate, reflex, and respiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vitals of a pediatric patient, specifically one younger than 12 years old, display significant differences when compared to those of an adult. Pediatric vitals vary with age, as a child's physiological parameters change rapidly during growth and development. For instance, the normal heart rate for a child is faster than an adult's and it decreases progressively as they get older - from about 120-160 beats per minute in a newborn to roughly 70-100 beats per minute by age 10.
Breathing rates are also quicker in children, with infants typically breathing around 30-60 times per minute and gradually slowing to an adult's rate of 12-18 breaths per minute as they grow. Another critical vital sign to monitor in pediatric patients is blood pressure, which varies significantly with age, weight, and height, starting lower than an adult's and increasing throughout childhood.
A unique aspect of pediatric assessment is the use of the Apgar score immediately after birth. This test evaluates a baby's skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration, and it is crucial for determining a neonate's transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life and potential distress.