Pulse This section will show you how to properly attain and record a patient’s pulse. For your return demonstration, you will be expected to know how to properly attain a patient’s pulse. You must view the video and practice according to the guidelines prior to your return demo. You will need to have a watch with a second hand present and a stethoscope for your return demonstration.
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Assessment
The normal range for a pulse differs with the age of your patient.
· Newborn 80-180
· 1 year 80-140
· 5-8 years 75-120
· Teen 50-90
· Adult 60-100
· Newborn 80-180
· 1 year 80-140
· 5-8 years 75-120
· Teen 50-90
· Adult 60-100
Technique In order to fully assess a patient’s pulse, you must take into consideration the rhythm, volume, elasticity, and equality.
Example: Rate 78 Rhythm regular Volume +2 Arterial wall is straight and smooth Equal bilaterally |
Key Points There are many factors that influence a patient’s pulse including:
· Medications · Exercise · Positioning · Gender · Age · Temperature · Pain · Stress In adults, if you get a high pulse reading of 100 or more, it is called tachycardia. If you get a low pulse reading of 60 or less, it is called bradycardia. |
Pulse Sites
There are many different pulse sites located on the body including:
· Temporal
· Carotid
· Apical
· Brachial
· Ulnar
· Radial
· Femoral
· Popliteal
· Posterior Tibialis
· Dorsalis Pedis
· Temporal
· Carotid
· Apical
· Brachial
· Ulnar
· Radial
· Femoral
· Popliteal
· Posterior Tibialis
· Dorsalis Pedis