North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is the range of normal pulse rate for an adult?

1. 60-100 bpm

2. 50-90 bpm

3. 70-110 bpm

4. 60-80 bpm

The correct answer is: 60-100 bpm

The range of normal pulse rate for an adult typically falls between 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). This range is widely accepted in the medical community as it encompasses the resting heart rates for most healthy adults. Factors such as age, fitness level, and overall health can influence an individual’s resting heart rate; however, the standard range serves as a guideline for assessing cardiovascular health. The other ranges proposed do not align with established clinical norms for adults. For instance, a range of 50-90 bpm may exclude individuals with resting heart rates at the upper end of normal, and similarly, a range of 70-110 bpm would inaccurately include elevated rates that are generally considered outside the normal physiological range. Additionally, the 60-80 bpm range, while it includes a commonly acceptable lower range, arbitrarily restricts the upper limit and overlooks individuals whose resting rates are still within the normal threshold.