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MED-140- Exam Room Procedures > Pulse > Flashcards

Pulse Flashcards

1
Q

When the left ventricle of the heart contracts, blood is forced into what?

A

the aorta

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2
Q

Major trunk of the arterial system. Already filled with blood. Must expand to accept blood from left ventricle.

A

Aorta

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3
Q

A pulsating wave that travels from the aorta through the walls of the arterial system, a wave known as this. Can be felt as a light tap.

A

Pulse

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4
Q

Measured by counting the number of “taps” or beats per minute.

A

Pulse rate

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5
Q

Determined by taking the pulse rate

A

Heart rate

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6
Q

As age increases, what happens to the pulse rate?
Who has a faster pulse rate than adults?

A

decreases
- children

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7
Q

Do men or women have faster pulse rates?
What increases pulse rate temporarily?

A

Women
- physical activity

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8
Q

What emotional states increase pulse rate temporarily?

A

-Anxiety
- Fear
- Excitement
- Anger

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9
Q

When you have increased body metabolism what does that do to pulse rate? What is an example of this?
Does fever increase or decrease pulse rate?

A
  • Increases, pregnancy is ex.
  • Increases
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10
Q

What may increase or decrease pulse rates?
What is an example of a medication that might decrease pulse? What about increase pulse?

A

Medications
Decrease: Digitalis
Increase: epinephrine

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11
Q

Pulse is felt most strongly when what artery is held against a firm tissue (bone)?

A

superficial artery

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12
Q

Most common site. Located in a groove on the inner aspect of the wrist just below the thumb. Easily accessible

A

Radial (radial artery)

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13
Q

Used by individuals monitoring their own heart rate. Athletes, patients taking heart medications, individuals starting exercise programs

A

Radial (radial artery)

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14
Q

Stronger beat. More easily heard than other pulse sites.

A

Apical (apex of the heart)

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15
Q

When should the apical pulse be taken?

A

If:
-Having difficulty feeling radial pulse
- Pulse is abnormally slow or rapid

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16
Q

Apical pulses are OFTEN used for infants and children at what age? Other sites for this age are usually difficult to palpate.

A

3 years and younger

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17
Q

Measured using a stethoscope. Chest piece is placed over the apex of the heart.. What is this?
Fifth intercostal space at left midclavicular line is the location of what?

A

Apical pulse
- Apical pulse (apex)

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18
Q

Located in antecubital space (space at the front of the elbow). What is this?
During blood pressure measurement, the stethoscope is placed over the antecubital space and what is used to determine the BP reading?

A

Brachial (brachial artery)
- brachial pulse

19
Q

What is the brachial (brachial artery) used for?

A
  • Take BP
  • Measure pulse in infants during cardiac arrest
  • Assess circulation to lower arm
20
Q

Little finger on the side of the wrist. Used to assess circulation to hand

21
Q

Located at front of the ear just below eye level. Used when radial pulse is inaccessible.

22
Q

Anterior side of the neck. Slightly to one side of midline. Best site to find a pulse quickly. Used to measure pulse in children and adults during cardiac arrest. Monitor pulse during exercise.

23
Q

Middle of the groin. Used to measure pulse in infants, children, and adults during cardiac arrest. Assess circulation to lower leg.

24
Q

Back of the knee. Used to measure BP when the brachial artery is not accessible. Assess circulation to the lower leg.

25
Inner space of the ankle, posterior to ankle bone. Used to assess circulation of the foot.
Posterior tibial
26
Upper surface of foot between the first and second metatarsal bones. Used to assess circulation to the foot.
Dorsalis pedis
27
Purpose of measuring pulse:
- Establish patient's baseline pulse rate - Assess pulse following special procedures, medications or disease processes that affect the heart
28
Assessment of pulse includes:
- Pulse rate - Rhythm - Volume
29
Used to locate the pulse XCEPT for the apical site. Apply moderate pressure with pads of the three middle fingers. What is this? What does using excessive pressure do to the pulse? Using too little pressure can do what to the pulse? Why should you not use a thumb for assessment of pulse or during palpation?
Palpation (assessment of pulse) - can obstruct pulse - may not be able to detect pulse - Has a pulse of its own. Would result in measurement of MA's pulse.
30
Number of heartbeats in 1 minute is measure in what?
beats per minute (BPM)
31
Normal pulse rate range in adults is what?
60-100 beats/min - average falling between 70 and 80
32
An abnormally fast heart rate of more than 100 beats/min
Tachycardia
33
When does tachycardia occur during? (4)
- Hemorrhages - Heart disease - Vigorous exercise - Strong emotional states
34
An abnormally slow heart rate of less than 60 beat/min
Bradycardia
35
When does bradycardia normally occur?
- During sleep - in trained athletes
36
What should you do as a medical assistant if patient exhibits tachycardia or bradycardia during radial pulse measurement?
- Measure patient's apical pulse
37
Time interval between heartbeats
Pulse rhythm
38
Same interval between beats
Normal rhythm
39
Unequal or irregular intervals between beats. Also call arrhythmia. What is this? What may a physician ttake/order if this occurs?
- Dysrhythmia. - Apical-radial pulse, electrocardiogram, Holter monitoring
40
What should you as a medical assistant record if there are abnormalities? What about if there is a normal pulse?
- Record abnormalities in rhythm or volume - Record as regular and strong
41
Performed to determine if a pulse deficit is present. Measuring the apical pulse at the same time as the radial pulse for one full minute.
Apical-radial pulse
42
Radial pulse rate is less than the apical pulse rate. One MA measures an apical pulse rate of 88 beats/min. Another MA simultaneously measures a radial pulse rate of 76 beats/min. Results in this, which is 12 beats.
Pulse deficit
43
Means that not all of the heartbeats are reaching the peripheral arteries. Caused by an inefficient contraction of the heart--not strong enough to transmit a pulse wave to the peripheral pulse site. What is this? This occurs frequently with what?
Pulse deficit (apical-radial pulse) - Frequently occurs with atrial fibrillation (dysrhythmia)
44
Strength of the heart beat. Amount of blood pumped into the aorta by each contraction. Should remain constant. Normal pulse feels strong and full. What is this? What is the type of pulse where blood volume decreases and pulse feels weak? What is the type of pulse where blood volume increases and pulse feels extremely strong and full?
Pulse Volume - thready pulse -bounding pulse

MED-140- Exam Room Procedures (7 decks)

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