What are the normal vital sign ranges for the CNA exam?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
For a healthy adult at rest, normal ranges are about 60 to 100 beats per minute for pulse, 12 to 18 breaths per minute for respirations (many CNA textbooks teach 12 to 20), blood pressure between 90/60 and 120/80 mmHg, and an oral temperature around 97.7°F to 99.1°F (average 98.6°F). As an aide, you measure, record and report anything outside the normal range or unusual for that resident to the nurse.
| Vital sign | Normal adult range | Report to the nurse if |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse | 60-100 beats per minute | Outside the range, irregular, or a big change |
| Respirations | 12-18 breaths per minute (many CNA texts: 12-20) | Outside the range, labored or noisy |
| Blood pressure | 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg | Above or below the normal range or the resident's usual |
| Temperature (oral) | 97.7-99.1°F (36.5-37.3°C), average 98.6°F | Fever or a temperature unusual for the resident |
What exam questions usually ask
- Which reading is outside the normal range and should be reported.
- How long to count: many programs teach counting a full 60 seconds on the skills test. Follow your handbook.
- Counting respirations without telling the resident, so they breathe normally.
- Which artery you use for a radial pulse (thumb side of the wrist).
- Things that change readings: exercise, pain, fever, anxiety, recent food or drink.
Your job vs. the nurse's
Aides measure, record and report. Deciding what an abnormal reading means or what to do about it is the nurse's job. On the exam, the best answer for an abnormal reading is usually to report it promptly.
Skills test tip
On the skills test, your reading is compared with the evaluator's and must fall within the tolerance in your handbook. See manual blood pressure tolerance and the skill pages for blood pressure, radial pulse and respirations.
Quick answers
- What are normal vital sign ranges on the CNA practice test?
- Pulse 60-100, respirations 12-18 (often taught as 12-20), BP 90/60 to 120/80, temperature about 97.7-99.1°F for adults.
- How do I count respirations for the CNA exam?
- Keep your fingers on the pulse and watch the chest rise and fall without telling the resident; one rise and fall is one breath. Count for the time your handbook requires.
- What is the manual blood pressure tolerance on the skills test?
- Your reading must be within the range your state's handbook sets compared with the evaluator. See BP tolerance.
What to do next
Drill vital signs questions now; the topic drill is free.
Start the vital signs drillRelated guides
- How accurate does manual blood pressure have to be on the CNA skills test?
- Measuring and recording manual blood pressure: CNA skill checklist
- Counting and recording respirations: CNA skill checklist
- Counting and recording a radial pulse: CNA skill checklist
- How many questions are on the CNA exam?
- Is there a completely free CNA practice test with no sign-up?
- Is there a CNA practice test that shows my weak areas?
- How many practice questions should I do before the CNA exam?
Sources
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.