Assessment: Pulse Rate – Radial Pulse

Equipments:

1. Watch with a second hand
2. Alcohol swab
3. Stethoscope

Nursing Procedures:

1. Inform patient the site at which the pulse will be measured
2. Flex patient's elbow and place lower part of arm across the chest
3. Support patient's wrist by grasping outer aspect with thumb
4. Place your index and middle finger on inner aspect of patient's wrist over the radial artery and apply light but firm pressure until pulse is palpated
5. Identify the rhythm of pulse
6. Identify pulse volume
7. Count pulse rate by using second hand on a watch. For regular rhythm, count number of beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2, while for an irregular rhythm, count it for a full minute and noting number of irregular beats