Assessing Radial Pulse Flashcards
factors that can affect pulse rate and rhythm
medical history, disease processes, age, exercise, and medications.
The strength or amplitude of a pulse reflects
the volume of blood ejected against the arterial wall with each heart contraction.
If the volume decreases
the pulse often becomes weak and difficult to palpate. In contrast
a full bounding pulse is
an indication of increased volume
You can assess what arteries for pulse rate?
any, but the radial and carotid arteries are commonly used because they are easy to palpate. When a patient’s condition suddenly worsens, the carotid site is recommended for finding a pulse quickly. Assessment of other peripheral pulse sites such as the brachial or femoral artery is unnecessary when routinely obtaining vital signs. Other peripheral pulses are assessed when a complete physical is conducted or when the radial artery is not available for assessment because of surgery, trauma, or impaired blood flow.
risk factors for pulse alterations
history of heart disease, cardiac dysrhythmia, onset of sudden chest pain or acute pain from any site, invasive cardiovascular diagnostic tests, surgery, sudden infusion of a large volume of intravenous (IV) fluid, internal or external hemorrhage, or administration of medications that alter cardiac function.
signs and symptoms of altered cardiac function
presence of dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, orthopnea, syncope, palpitations, edema of dependent body parts, and cyanosis or pallor of the skin.
signs and symptoms of peripheral vascular disease
pale, cool extremities; thin, shiny skin with decreased hair growth; and thickened nails
factors that affect radial pulse rate and rhythm
age, exercise, position changes, fluid balance, medication, temperature, and sympathetic stimulation, such as from caffeine or nicotine.
If the patient has been active, wait
5 to 10 minutes before assessing pulse.
If the patient has been smoking or ingesting caffeine wait
15 minutes before assessing pulse.
Do not delegate the skill of assessing radial pulse to nursing assistive personnel (NAP) when
the patient’s condition is unstable or when you must evaluate the patient’s response to medication or another treatment.
Before delegating this skill under other circumstances, be sure to inform NAP of the following
The appropriate site for checking the pulse rate, frequency of measurement, and factors related to the patient’s history (e.g., risk for abnormally slow, rapid, or irregular pulse).
The patient’s usual pulse rate and the need to report significant changes to you.
Report any specific abnormalities immediately.
When assessing the pulse for the first time, establish the radial pulse as
the baseline and compare it with the acceptable range for the patient’s age.
During subsequent assessments, compare the pulse rate and character with the patient’s baseline and with the acceptable range for the patient’s age.
any pulse abnormalities…
must be reported to the nurse in charge or to the health care provider.
