PALS Instructor Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The preadolescent age group typically has the highest normal systolic blood pressure among the options provided. As children grow, their cardiovascular systems develop and their blood pressure increases to accommodate the needs of larger body and organ sizes.

During the preadolescent period, children often reach a stage where their systolic blood pressure does not only surpass that of younger age groups but also begins to stabilize at levels more similar to those of young adults. This is due to both developmental changes and increased physical activity that demands greater perfusion pressures.

In comparison, neonates and infants naturally have much lower blood pressures due to their smaller body size and developing cardiovascular systems. Preschoolers may have slightly higher blood pressures than infants, but they still fall short of the normal systolic values observed in preadolescents. Therefore, preadolescents exhibit the highest systolic blood pressure among these developmental stages.