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If you're a nurse or work in the medical profession, you will occasionally have to document a patient's pulse for medical records. Even if you're not a medical practitioner, you might want to get in the habit of documenting your pulse because of an injury, food allergy, or athletic commitment.

Full Answer

What does it mean when a Doctor takes your pulse?

Taking a pulse not only measures the heart rate, but also can indicate the following: Heart rhythm. Strength of the pulse. The normal pulse for healthy adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. The pulse rate may fluctuate and increase with exercise, illness, injury, and emotions.

Should you document your pulse if you're not a doctor?

Even if you're not a medical practitioner, you might want to get in the habit of documenting your pulse because of an injury, food allergy, or athletic commitment. Pulse is rated on a scale of one to four, depending on its strength.

How do you record a patient's pulse rate?

Record the pulse rate (the number of beats per minute) in the patient's notes and describe its strength and rhythm. Compare the pulse rate with the values in the Table land record whether the pulse is normal, sloworfast. Any abnormalities should be recorded and reported to the senior nurse and doctor.

What do you do if you can't find a pulse?

During a medical emergency, follow life support guidelines. Once the individual is under the care of an emergency medical team, document the absences of a pulse as a "0," meaning no pulse. Write "1" for a faint pulse. Sometimes, you can find a pulse, but it is very faint.

How do you report a pulse rate?

Using the first and second fingertips, press firmly but gently on the arteries until you feel a pulse. Begin counting the pulse when the clock's second hand is on the 12. Count your pulse for 60 seconds (or for 15 seconds and then multiply by four to calculate beats per minute).

What should you document about a patient's pulse?

Recount if pulse is irregular. Document pulse rate, regularity and strength of beat; and report any irregularities. Measuring the number of breaths in one minute determines respiratory rate.

What are you assessing When you take a patient's pulse?

The pulse, therefore, occurs with each heartbeat; the frequency, or rate, at which it is felt indicates the rate at which the heart is beating (the heart rate). The strength (or amplitude) of the pulse depends on the volume of blood squeezed out of the heart with each beat; this is called the stroke volume.

What are four pulse findings that should be reported?

Pulse force is recorded using a four-point scale: 3+ Full, bounding. 2+ Normal/strong. 1+ Weak, diminished, thready.

How do you document pulses in nursing?

when recording pulses:0 = absent.+1 = diminished or decreased.+2 = normal pulses.+3 = full pulse or slight increase in pulse volume.+4 = bounding pulse or increased volume.

How do you write a pulse?

How to Take Your PulseFind your pulse. With your first 2 fingers, press lightly on the inside of your wrist, just below the base of the thumb. ... Take your pulse. Count the beats you feel in your wrist as you watch the second hand on a clock. ... Write down the results. Write down your pulse each time you take it.

Which is the correct way to record pulse data quizlet?

What is an acceptable way to measure radial pulse? Count pulse for one full minute, Count pulse for 30 seconds and then multiply the number by 2, and Count for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4.

How is pulse measured?

To check your pulse at your wrist, place two fingers between the bone and the tendon over your radial artery — which is located on the thumb side of your wrist. When you feel your pulse, count the number of beats in 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four to calculate your beats per minute.

How do you describe pulse strength?

Radial pulse is strong, firm, and regular. Pulse is weak, difficult to palpate, or absent. Pulse rate for an adult is greater than 100 bpm (tachycardia). Pulse rate for an adult is less than 60 bpm (bradycardia).

What vital signs should be reported immediately?

The four main vital signs routinely monitored by medical professionals and health care providers include the following:Body temperature.Pulse rate.Respiration rate (rate of breathing)Blood pressure (Blood pressure is not considered a vital sign, but is often measured along with the vital signs.)

What are the abnormal characteristics of pulse?

An abnormal heart rhythm is when your heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. This is also called an arrhythmia. Within the heart is a complex system of valves, nodes, and chambers that control how and when the blood is pumped.

How do you describe apical pulse?

You can feel your pulse by placing your fingers over a large artery that lies close to your skin. The apical pulse is one of eight common arterial pulse sites. It can be found in the left center of your chest, just below the nipple. This position roughly corresponds to the lower (pointed) end of your heart.

Why do you need to document your pulse?

Even if you're not a medical practitioner, you might want to get in the habit of documenting your pulse because of an injury, food allergy, or athletic commitment. Pulse is rated on a scale of one to four, depending on its strength.

How to find someone's pulse?

You can easily find someone's pulse on their neck or wrist, count the beats, and write down that number. While taking someone's pulse can sometimes feel intimidating, it's easy to do with a little dedication and practice. Steps.

What is a pulse of 4?

Write "4" for a quick, bounding pulse. If the pulse is stronger and quicker than usual , this would be a "4.". A pulse in the "4" range should be easy to find. You will likely notice the beats come with more force than the average pulse. A pulse over 100 beats per minute is considered a fast pulse.

What does "0" mean in a pulse?

Once the individual is under the care of an emergency medical team, document the absences of a pulse as a "0," meaning no pulse. Write "1" for a faint pulse. Sometimes, you can find a pulse, but it is very faint. The beating will be very light and the pulse may also be very slow.

How to measure pulse rate?

Use a watch or a timer on your phone to time yourself for a minute while recording someone's pulse. During that time, count the number of beats. The number you get is the pulse rate, measured in beats per minute.

How to find a pulse in a person's wrist?

If you can't find the pulse in someone's wrist, place your index and ring finger on the side of their neck. Place your fingers just to the side of the windpipe below the jaw, and feel around until you find a pulse.

What is the average pulse?

Mark an average pulse as "3. " If the pulse is steady, easy to detect, and within a normal range, this is considered an average pulse. This would be recorded as "3.". An average pulse is anywhere between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Why is it important to take a pulse?

Irregularities might indicate a heart problem and must be investigated . Taking the pulse also provides an initial recording (a ‘baseline’) that will enable us to compare future measurements and monitor changes in our patient's condition. The pulse can be measured at several points in the body.

Why do we take pulses before surgery?

Before surgery, eye patients must be assessed for their suitability for surgery. Taking the pulse allows us to find out what the patient 's heart rate is and to assess the strength, regularity, and character of the pulse. Irregularities might indicate a heart problem and must be investigated. Taking the pulse also provides an initial recording (a ...

How to measure pulse strength?

Make sure the patient is relaxed and comfortable. Place the tips of your first and second finger on the inside of the patient's wrist (Figure 1). Press gently against the pulse. Take your time to note any irregularities in strength or rhythm. If the pulse is regular and strong, measure the pulse for 30 seconds.

What does pulse mean in medical terms?

The pulse rate is a measurement of the heart rate, or the number of times the heart beats per minute. As the heart pushes blood through the arteries, the arteries expand and contract with the flow of the blood. Taking a pulse not only measures the heart rate, but also can indicate the following: Heart rhythm.

How to count pulses on a clock?

Using the first and second fingertips, press firmly but gently on the arteries until you feel a pulse. Begin counting the pulse when the clock's second hand is on the 12. Count your pulse for 60 seconds ( or for 15 seconds and then multiply by four to calculate beats per minute).

What is the difference between diastolic and systolic pressure?

The higher number, or systolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the body. The lower number, or diastolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart is at rest and is filling with blood.

What is the force of blood pushing against the artery walls during contraction and relaxation of the heart?

Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls during contraction and relaxation of the heart. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries, resulting in the highest blood pressure as the heart contracts. When the heart relaxes, the blood pressure falls.

How to take body temperature?

Temperature can be taken by mouth using either the classic glass thermometer, or the more modern digital thermometers that use an electronic probe to measure body temperature . Rectally.

How many beats per minute is a normal pulse?

Strength of the pulse. The normal pulse for healthy adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. The pulse rate may fluctuate and increase with exercise, illness, injury, and emotions. Females ages 12 and older, in general, tend to have faster heart rates than do males.

What are the vital signs?

Vital signs are measurements of the body's most basic functions. The four main vital signs routinely monitored by medical professionals and health care providers include the following: Blood pressure (Blood pressure is not considered a vital sign, but is often measured along with the vital signs.) Vital signs are useful in detecting ...

Why is pulse assessment important?

It is, therefore, vital that nurses feel confident in their ability to accurately locate and measure the pulses.

What does the pulse of pressure in the arterial wall mean?

If an artery wall is pressed at a pulse point, the pulse of pressure in the arterial wall can be felt as blood is squeezed along with each contraction of the heart. The pulse, therefore, occurs with each heartbeat; the frequency, or rate, at which it is felt indicates the rate at which the heart is beating (the heart rate).

Why is my pulse fainter?

The farther away from the heart the artery is located, the fainter the pulse, because the energy of the pulse becomes dissipated as it moves through the arteries. By the time blood reaches the capillaries, there is no longer a pulse, and pulses cannot be felt in the veins that return blood to the heart.

Why is my pulse rate slower than normal?

As mentioned, pain, stress or exertion will increase the pulse rate, but it should return to normal when the underlying trigger is abated. A slower-than-normal pulse can result from some medications, for example digoxin and beta-blockers, and may also be present in people who are accustomed to strenuous activity.

Where is the carotid pulse located?

This is formed by the mandible, trachea and muscle. The carotid pulse is located in front of the sternocleidomastoid (Fig 1 , attached) and is sometimes deeper than anticipated. When locating this pulse, the patient’s head should be in a comfortable position that requires no hyperextension.

What hormones affect heart rate?

Several hormones also affect the heart rate; one of these is adrenalin, which is commonly recognised. This is produced from the adrenal glands after sympathetic nerve stimulation. Adrenalin acts in the same way as the sympathetic nervous system and will speed up the heart rate, increasing the force of contraction.

How is electrical energy carried through the heart?

The electrical signal is carried through the heart muscle by the heart’s conduction system. The energy is known as synergy because each action results in another, like a line of falling dominoes. The electrical activity of the heart can be picked up on an electrocardiogram and displayed as an electrocardiograph.

How to take a patient's pulse?

Before you begin, wash your hands carefully to avoid spreading infection. Greet your patient, and explain that you are going to take his/her pulse. Verify the identity of your patient, and then follow these steps: Have the patient extend his/her arm, and take the patient’s hand.

What to do if your pulse rate is unusual?

If the rate is still unusual, alert the hall nurse and they will come do their own count. When doing your end of shift charting, make sure that you note the abnormality and that you alerted the hall nurse of the reading. Though it is tempting, never skip taking the radial pulse during your vital rounds.

How to monitor radial pulse?

Regular monitoring of your patient’s radial pulse can help you to detect changes in their condition and assist in providing potentially life-saving care. A change in the heart rhythm of a patient can be an early indication of a more serious problem. Before you begin, wash your hands carefully to avoid spreading infection. Greet your patient, and explain that you are going to take his/her pulse. Verify the identity of your patient, and then follow these steps: 1 Have the patient extend his/her arm, and take the patient’s hand. Slide your index and middle finger along the thumb to the hollow of the wrist to locate the radial artery. This can be done on the left or right arm, depending on what is comfortable for you and the patient. 2 Apply pressure with your fingertips until you can feel the patient’s pulse. Once you feel a regular heart rate, count the number of beats you feel in thirty seconds. Multiply the result by two to get the patient’s pulse. 3 If the patient’s heart rate is not regular, you will need to count the beats for a full minute. 4 Record the results in the patient’s chart as directed. 5 Wash your hands properly.

How to measure heart rate?

Apply pressure with your fingertips until you can feel the patient’s pulse. Once you feel a regular heart rate, count the number of beats you feel in thirty seconds. Multiply the result by two to get the patient’s pulse. If the patient’s heart rate is not regular, you will need to count the beats for a full minute.

What to do if you do vital rounds on the same patient all the time?

If you do vital rounds on the same patients all the time, note in the chart if there are any changes that may require attention. Keeping your patients safe is you number one priority and taking their pulse and other vitals is right up there with knowing CPR.

How to locate radial artery?

Slide your index and middle finger along the thumb to the hollow of the wrist to locate the radial artery. This can be done on the left or right arm, depending on what is comfortable for you and the patient. Apply pressure with your fingertips until you can feel the patient’s pulse. Once you feel a regular heart rate, ...

How many beats per minute should a patient's heart rate be?

Wash your hands properly. There are several indicators of an abnormal pulse. For adults, the pulse rate should be between sixty and eighty beats per minute.

How to count respirations?

2) Determined whether to count for 30 seconds or 60 seconds. 3) Counted respirations for 30 seconds and multiplied the count by 2; or for one minute if irregular. Student must tell when to start and end count.

What is the correct count for hall nurse?

If something is incorrect it must be reported to the hall nurse immediately. Though it is told to you in your training class that you should do this skill by counts of 30 multiplied by 2, in the workplace it is typically acceptable to use counts of 15 multiplied by 4.

How to determine respiration rate?

To determine the respiration rate, follow these steps: Observe the patient as they breathe, and count each rise and fall of the chest as one respiration. Count the breaths for one minute, paying attention to how deeply the person breathes. Look for any use of accessory muscles for breathing, or signs of labored breaths.

Why does my respiration rate get so fast?

An unusually fast respiration rate may indicate pain or stress, or may result from strenuous activity or stress. If the patient has a high temperature (fever) as the result of an infection, they may also breathe more rapidly. Patients who are having a heart attack will also breathe more quickly.

How many breaths per minute is normal?

Wash your hands properly. There are several causes of abnormal respiration rates. For most adults, the respiration rate is between twelve and eighteen breaths per minute. A patient who is resting or laying on his/her back may breathe more slowly.

What does it mean when your respiration rate changes?

Changes in the respiration rate may indicate a more serious condition, or can indicate when a patient is experiencing too much stress. A patient who is told that you will be measuring his/her breathing will often unknowingly change the pattern of their breathing causing irregular or shallow breathing to occur.

Why is breathing important for life?

Breathing is a fundamental requirement for life, and by paying attention to a patient’s respiration rate, you will be able to spot early signs of distress and may be able to provide vital care more quickly.