pulse Flashcards
It is the advancing pressure wave in an artery caused by the expulsion of blood when the left ventricle of the heart contracts.
The upward curve of the pulse wave that corresponds to the relaxation of the heart is known as DIASTOLE.
The most common arteries used are the radial, carotid, temporal, femoral and dorsalis pedis arteries. The normal range of pulse rate is 60-100 beats per minute
pulse
The upward curve of the pulse wave that corresponds to the relaxation of the heart is known as
DIASTOLE
The most common arteries used are the
radial, carotid, temporal, femoral and dorsalis pedis arteries
The normal range of pulse rate is
60-100 beats per minute
Irregularities of rhythm, that is, the intervals between beats are of different lengths or the beats are of unequal force.
ARRHYTHMIA
- A pulse rate higher than 150 beats per minute.
TACHYCARDIA
A very slow pulse rate (lower than 60 per minute) which indicates slow heart action.
BRADYCARDIA
A pulse that reaches a higher level than normal, and then disappears quickly.
BOUNDING
A pulse rate that is too fast to be counted
running pulse
- A pulse whose volume is small and can be readily obliterated.
FEEBLE OR THREADY
Also called CORRIGAN’S PULSE, it has a very forceful beat, with the artery failing away very quickly
WATER HAMMER
One heartbeat for 2 arterial pulsations, which gives a double beat.
DICROTIC PULSE
The difference between the apical and radial counts taken simultaneously.
PULSE DEFICIT -
Refers to a pulse that occasionally skips a beat. When this is noted the apical pulse should be taken to determine the heart rate.
INTERMITTENT PULSE
In the normally palpable arteries in the lower extremities reflect diminished, thus poor, circulation in these areas.
WEAK OR ABSENT PULSE
normal pulse rate for adult
60-100
normal pulse rate for children
80-120
normal pulse rate for babies
100-140
located over the carotid artery.
used during CPR and to assess the circulation to the heart.
used for infants or used to determine circulation to the brain.
carotid
Located over the temporal artery in front of the ear. The site is above and away from the midline to the eye.
used when the radial pulse is not accessible
temporal
located at the apex of the heart.
In an adult, this is located on the left side of the chest, no more than 8cm. (3 inches) to the left side of the sternum and under the fourth, fifth, or sixth intercostal space.
Heard with the use of the stethoscope.
apical
located at the inner aspect of the biceps muscle of the arm or medially in the antecubital space (elbow crease)
also used to measure blood pressure
brachial
Where the radial artery runs along the radial bone on the thumb side of the inner aspect of the wrist.
readily accessible and routinely used
radial
over the femoral artery in the groin area depression between the thigh and the trunk
used to determine circulation to a leg
femoral
located at the posterior surface of the knee
Where the popliteal artery passes behind the knee
This point is difficult to find, but it can be palpated if the client flexes the knee slightly
Used to determine leg blood pressure
popliteal
Located on the inner side of the ankle, where the posterior tibial artery passes behind the medial malleolus
Used to determine circulation of the foot and ankle area
Posterior Tibial
Located at the top of the feet between the extensor tendon of the great and first toe
This artery can be palpated by feeling the upper surface of the foot on an imaginary line drawn from the middle of the ankle to the space between the big and second toe
Dorsalis Pedis
Apical Pulse- Place the patient in a ___or ____ position.
semi-Fowler’s or supine
apical pulse- Place the bladder of the stethoscope at the _____ from the left sternal margin (the nipple of the breast can be used as a landmark for 5 cm.)
fifth intercostal space 5 cm
