PULSE

• Pulse


  Pulse is an alternate expansion (rise) and recoil (fall) of an artery as the wave of blood is forced through it during the contraction of the left ventricle.
• Pulse Points

  • Temporal artery: Temple above and to the outer side of the eye.
  • External maxillary (facial) artery: lower jaw
  • Carotid artery: Side of the neck
• Pulse points

  • Radial artery: on the side of the wrist
  • Femoral artery: in the groin
  • Popliteal artery behind the knee ( popliteal fossa )
• Pulse points

  • Branchial artery: above the elbow, inner side
  • Posterior tibial artery: behind the inner ankle
  • Dorsalis pedis artery: on the upper front part of the foot
• Factors affecting pulse rate

  • Sex
  • Exercise
  • Drugs
  • Pain
  • Food
• Character of the pulse

  • Rate
  • Rhythm
  • Strength
  • Equality
• NANDA Nursing diagnosis ( related to pulse rate )

  • Ineffective tissue perfusion
  • Decreased cardiac output
  • Deficient/excess fluid volume