Which of the following statements regarding an infant's vital signs is correct?

An infant's normal body temperature tends to be higher than that of preschool-aged children, which is due to their higher metabolic rate and the fact that infants are generally more active in terms of their physiological processes. Typically, the average body temperature for an infant ranges from about 97.9°F to 100.4°F (36.6°C to 38°C), whereas preschoolers often have a slightly lower range due to their different metabolic needs and activity levels.

The distinction in body temperature is important for understanding normal physiological ranges in different age groups, as this can influence how healthcare providers assess and respond to potential illnesses or infections. Monitoring these variations can be crucial for determining the appropriateness of care and interventions needed for infants in comparison to older children.

Though the other options might seem plausible at first glance, they do not accurately reflect the normal physiological characteristics of infants. For example, the average heart rate for an infant is usually higher than the range provided in one of the statements, and the normal tidal volume typically exceeds the amount stated in another option. Understanding these benchmarks helps EMTs and healthcare providers assess the health of infants accurately.