How should you measure a resident's radial pulse correctly?

How should you measure a resident's radial pulse correctly?

• A. Use a stethoscope over the wrist and count for 30 seconds.
• B. Rely on a digital device and do not palpate the pulse manually.
• C. Use the index and middle fingers on the radial artery and count for 60 seconds (or 30 seconds x 2), noting rate, rhythm, and strength.
• D. Press with the thumb and palpating the radial artery for 15 seconds.

Answer: (C)

Measuring a radial pulse correctly means palpating the radial artery with the right part of your hand and counting the beats to determine rate, rhythm, and strength. Use the pads of your index and middle fingers (not the thumb) and place them on the wrist just below the base of the thumb, over the radial pulse. Apply gentle pressure until you can feel the beats, but not so hard that you occlude the artery and slow the pulse. Count the beats for a full 60 seconds for accuracy, or for 30 seconds and multiply by two if the rhythm is regular. While you count, note the rate (beats per minute), the rhythm (regular or irregular), and the strength of the pulse (strong, normal, weak, thready, or bounding). A typical resting adult pulse is about 60–100 bpm. If the rhythm is irregular, counting for a full minute is especially important to detect any patterns. Avoid using the thumb to palpate, and remember that a stethoscope is not used for obtaining a radial pulse (it’s for listening to the heart at the apical site). Documentation should reflect rate, rhythm, and strength.

Measuring a radial pulse correctly means palpating the radial artery with the right part of your hand and counting the beats to determine rate, rhythm, and strength. Use the pads of your index and middle fingers (not the thumb) and place them on the wrist just below the base of the thumb, over the radial pulse. Apply gentle pressure until you can feel the beats, but not so hard that you occlude the artery and slow the pulse. Count the beats for a full 60 seconds for accuracy, or for 30 seconds and multiply by two if the rhythm is regular. While you count, note the rate (beats per minute), the rhythm (regular or irregular), and the strength of the pulse (strong, normal, weak, thready, or bounding). A typical resting adult pulse is about 60–100 bpm. If the rhythm is irregular, counting for a full minute is especially important to detect any patterns. Avoid using the thumb to palpate, and remember that a stethoscope is not used for obtaining a radial pulse (it’s for listening to the heart at the apical site). Documentation should reflect rate, rhythm, and strength.