Assessing heart rate

Question 1

PPE

Answer 1

Hang hygiene, disposable gloves, clinical waste bag

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Routine cardiovascular
physiological assessment

Part of an initial
assessment to
determine whether the
patient is in cardiac
arrest.

Question 3

Contraindications

Answer 3

None

Question 4

Prepare patient

Answer 4

Explain the procedure and obtain
consent if appropriate to do so.

The arm used should be relaxed,
preferably resting on a flat
surface. The point of palpation
should not be higher than the
heart.

Question 5

Locate and palpate radial/ carotid artery

Answer 5

Place the pads of two
fingers over the artery

Gently push fingers inwards,
sensing for artery pulsing.

Question 6

Assess

Answer 6

If the pulse has a regular rhythm,
count for 15 seconds and then
multiply by four.
Note rate.
Note rhythm.
Note strength.

Question 7

Paediatric adaption

Answer 7

BrachialPulse : Place the pads of two fingers over the brachial artery
on the anterior surface of the
arm, medial to the biceps tendon.

Question 8

Normal ranges

Answer 8

Adult 60-100bpm

Children - check JRCALC

Question 9

Report

Answer 9

Accurately document/hand over
any relevant information