Heart rate measurement

Question 1

What is the purpose of the technique i.e. what are you measuring and why?

Answer 1

General fitness
Wellbeing
Presence of illness or pathology
Tacy/bradycardia

Question 2

How do you know whether the measurement is normal?

Answer 2

Compare to normal measurements
60-100bpm

Question 3

What principles are used in carrying out (application) the technique?

Answer 3

1) Ensure patient seated comfortably / supine
2) Patient should be rested for at least 10mins before
3) If the subject is anxious, wait a few minutes before taking the pressure.
4) Ask the subject not to talk or move whilst taking measurement
5) Find desired artery and pulse and press with index and middle fingers
6) Count amount of beats per 30s and double or 60s using a clock or stopwatch or timer
7) Record value

Question 4

What structures/processes are being assessed?

Answer 4

Cardiovascular System

Question 4

Precautions / contraindications

Answer 4

Acute disorders affecting test performance (e.g. vomiting, nausea, vertigo)
Avoid open wounds and areas of skin irritation or severe pain

If measuring the carotid pulse: do not palpate for longer than necessary as this may stimulating the
vagus nerve which would result in a drop in heart rate and blood pressure and possible fainting

Are you feeling well in yourself today?
Are you currently feeling stressed or anxious?
Do you have any open wounds I should be aware of?

Question 5

How would this be documented?

Answer 5

Date, Time, Patient name
Explanation of procedure & gaining informed consent
Landmarks used for measurement
Where was the measurement taken and how long for (2x30 or 60)
Patient anxiety or stress levels
Check for adverse effects
Sign

Question 6

How would you measure heart rate in the wrist?

Answer 6

Radial: Hold the person’s arm straight, palm facing up - index & middle fingers on their wrist, lateral to the flexor tendons
Count how many beats you feel in a minute, or count
them over 30 seconds x2
If you notice changes in rhythm or strength, you must measure the pulse for a full minute.

Question 7

How would you measure heart rate in the neck?

Answer 7

Carotid: index and middle fingers on the side of their neck, in the soft hollow area just beside trachea

Count how many beats you feel in a minute, or count
them over 30 seconds x2
If you notice changes in rhythm or strength, you must measure the pulse for a full minute.

Question 8

How would you measure heart rate in the foot?

Answer 8

Dorsalis pedis: index & middle fingers on the dorsum of the foot, lateral to the extensor hallucis
longus tendon/medially to the extensor digitorum longus tendon. Pulse felt just distal to navicular

Count how many beats you feel in a minute, or count
them over 30 seconds x2
If you notice changes in rhythm or strength, you must measure the pulse for a full minute.

Question 9

What should you ask people to avoid doing 30 minutes before measuring their heart rate?

Answer 9

Consumption of caffeinated products such as coffee, cola, or tea
Smoking
Exercising