Chapter 3: Pulse Sites Flashcards
When does a pulse occurs?
When the heart pushes blood into the aorta; this impact of blood hitting the elastic arterial wall creates a pressure wave that radiates long the arteries.
What does the impact of the blood hitting the arterial wall creates?
Pulse.
All arteries have a pulse, which can be felt?
Where the arteries run close to the skin.
What are the most common arteries for feeling the pulse?
Radial, apical and carotid.
What is the Radial Pulse?
The most common site to obtain pulse and is located inside the patients wrist above the base of the thumb.
What is the Apical Pulse?
Measured over the heart and not the artery.
What does Apical Pulse refers to?
“Apex” (tip) of the heart (consist of the left ventricle).
How is the Apical Pulse most commonly heard?
With a stethoscope as opposed to palpated.
Each “lub dub” sound in a stethoscope counts as?
Only one beat.
What is the Carotid Pulse?
Located on the left or right side of the front of the neck just below the Ange of the jaw.
What is the Brachial Pulse?
The most commonly used site to obtain BP, is located in the inside of the elbow or antecubital space
What is the Femoral Pulse?
Requires more pressure in order to feel because the artery is deep and is located in the groin area.
What is the Popliteal Pulse?
Used to monitor lower limb circulation, located at the back of the knee.
What is the Dorsalis Pedis?
Used to monitor lower limb circulation, located on the top of the foot.
What is the Temporal Artery?
Located on the temple directly in front of the ear.
