What are normal ranges for adult pulse and respirations, and what temperature is considered normal?

• A. Pulse 60-100 bpm; respirations 12-20 per minute; temperature about 97.8-99.1°F (36.5-37.3°C).
• B. Pulse 40-60; respirations 25-30; temperature 101-102°F.
• C. Pulse 50-90; respirations 16-24; temperature 98.6°F.
• D. Pulse 100-120; respirations 8-12; temperature 96°F.

Answer: (B)

Understanding normal adult vital signs helps you interpret how a patient is functioning at rest. For a typical healthy adult, resting pulse ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, respirations are about 12 to 20 breaths per minute, and body temperature sits around 98.6°F (36.5°C), with a normal range roughly 97.8 to 99.1°F (36.5–37.3°C).

So, the best match is the option that lists a pulse within 60–100 bpm, respirations within 12–20 per minute, and a normal temperature around 97.8–99.1°F. The other options show values outside these normal ranges—such as a slower or faster heart rate, faster or slower breathing, or a fever above normal—indicating conditions that would warrant further assessment.