This document provides instructions for monitoring several vital signs: - To check blood pressure, use an automated cuff by placing the sleeve around the upper arm at heart level and pressing start on the monitor. - Taking temperature accurately involves using a digital mouth thermometer. - To measure pulse, feel for the wrist pulse for one minute and count beats. - Breathing rate can be counted by having a helper observe chest rises in one minute. - Vital signs and safe exercise zones should be discussed with a doctor and tracked for health monitoring.

1. How to check your blood pressure using
an automated cuff:
• Place the sleeve around your upper
arm or wrist, following the directions
for your device.
• Sit with your feet flat on the floor.
• Rest your arm on a flat surface at the
level of your heart.
• Press start on your monitor.
• Relax and breathe normally.
More tips:
• Avoid caffeine, cigarettes, and exercise
for at least 30 minutes before testing.
• Check your blood pressure at the same
time each day, using the same arm.
• The systolic rate is the higher number;
diastolic is the lower.
Vital Signs
Is it safe for me to
exercise today?
A guide to safe exercise while
taking medication
University of Washington
Department of Rehabilitation
NotesBloodPressureBreathingRatePulseTemperatureDate
Today’sdate:______________Myname:_______________________________
Itakethesemedications:___________________________________________________________________
Normal
Adult,
At Rest
Your Safe
Zone,
At Rest
Your Safe
Zone, During
Exercise
Systolic Below
120 __________ _____________
Diastolic Below
80 __________ _____________
Sam Bennett, SPT
Megan Hillmann, SPT
Mary Thurtle, SPT
Meg Whitney, SPT
Anne Ziegltrum, SPT
Blood Pressure
How strongly is your
blood pumping?
Contact your doctor if at any time:
a vital sign value is outside of your
doctor-approved safe zone, or if you
feel dizzy, faint, short of breath, or your
heart is beating in an unsteady rhythm.

2. The most accurate way to take your
temperature is with a digital
thermometer by mouth.
How to take your temperature:
• Place the bulb of the
thermometer under your tongue.
• Close your mouth. Wait until
you hear a beep.
More tips:
• Always check the instructions for
your thermometer before using.
• Do not use glass thermometers
containing mercury.
How to take your pulse:
• Position yourself near a clock.
• Turn hand palm up. Place two
fingers on your wrist. Do not use
your thumb to feel for your pulse.
Do not push too hard.
• Slip fingers off-center toward thumb.
When you feel your pulse, count the
number of beats in one minute.
How to check your breathing rate:
• Find someone to help with these
steps. Sit upright with your helper
standing next to you.
• Your helper should see your chest
rise with each breath.
• When you are relaxed, have them
count the number of chest rises
you take within one minute.
• If no one is available to help, try
to relax, breathe naturally, and
count the number of breaths you
take in one minute.
More tips:
• Remove bulky clothing
• Have your helper place a hand on
your back to feel for each breath.
Breathing Rate
How many breaths do you
take each minute?
Normal Body
Temperature
Fever Contact Your
Doctor If…
98.6° Above 99.5° Below 95°
Above 103°
Pulse
How many times does your
heart beat each minute?
Temperature
How warm is the inside of
your body?
Normal
Adult
At Rest
Your Safe
Zone,
At Rest
Your Safe
Zone, During
Exercise
Above 12
__________ _____________
Below 20
__________ _____________
Normal
Adult
At Rest
Your Safe
Zone,
At Rest
Your Safe
Zone, During
Exercise
Above 60
__________ _____________
Below 100
__________ _____________
Vital Signs, Medications, and Exercise: When your doctor takes your body temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure, they are
looking at your “vital signs”. These vital sign values tell us that the heart, lungs, and other body systems are working well to keep you safe.
Medications can change these values so that they no longer fall within normal ranges for most adults. This change can make people nervous to
exercise. This brochure serves as a tool to be filled out by your doctor to tell you what vital sign values are safe for you both at rest and while
exercising. There is also a vital signs log to encourage you to monitor and track your vital sign values.