Pulse Rate

• What is a pulse?

  A wave of blood from heart contraction
• How is a pulse commonly assessed?

  By palpation or auscultation
• What is tachycardia?

  A rate greater than 100 beats/min
• What is bradycardia?

  A heart rate less than 60 beats/min
• What does pulse rhythm refer to?

  The pattern of beats and intervals between them
• What is dysrhythmia or arrhythmia?

  A pulse with an irregular rhythm
• What does pulse volume refer to?

  The force of blood with each beat
• What are the purposes of assessing the pulse?

  • Establish baseline data for evaluation
  • Identify normal pulse rate range
  • Determine pulse volume and rhythm regularity
  • Monitor changes in health status
  • Monitor clients at risk for pulse alterations
• What factors can affect the pulse?

  Age, sex, exercise, fever, medication
• How does hypovolemia affect the pulse?

  It can lead to a weaker pulse volume
• How does stress influence pulse rate?

  It can increase the pulse rate
• What effect does position have on pulse assessment?

  It can alter pulse rate and volume
• Why is it important to monitor clients at risk for pulse alterations?

  To prevent complications from heart issues
• What is the normal pulse rate range for adults?

  60 to 100 beats/min
• The 9 pulse sites in the human body are:

  1. Temporal – Located on the temple, in front of the ear.
  2. Carotid – Found on the neck, beside the trachea.
  3. Apical – Over the heart, at the fifth intercostal space (left side, midclavicular line).
  4. Brachial – Inside of the upper arm, near the elbow (antecubital fossa).
  5. Radial – On the wrist, thumb side.
  6. Ulnar – On the wrist, pinky side.
  7. Femoral – In the groin area.
  8. Popliteal – Behind the knee.
  9. Dorsalis pedis – On top of the foot, near the big toe.
• Pulse Amplitude

  • 0- (Absent Pulse) – Pulse cannot be felt even with the application of extreme pressure. 
  • 1+ (Thready Pulse) – Pulse is very difficult to feel, and applying slight pressure causes it to disappear. 
  • 2+ (Weak Pulse) – A pulse is stronger than a thready pulse, but applying light pressure causes it to disappear. 
  • 3+ (Normal Pulse) – Pulse is easily felt and requires moderate pressure to make it disappear. 
  • 4+ (Bounding Pulse) – Pulse is strong and does not disappear with moderate pressure.