Pulse Flashcards
What is the average adult pulse rate?
60-100 bpm
What are some factors that can cause the heart rate to increase? (7)
- Exercise
- Emotions
- Pain
- Increased body temperature
- Stimulant medications
- Decreased BP
- Hemorrhage
What are some factors that can cause the heart rate to decrease? (2)
- The heart rate slows with age
- Depressants and medications affecting the cardiac system
What three qualities of a pulse should be assessed?
Rate, rhythm, strength
What are the main pulse points? (9)
Temporal artery Carotid artery Apical pulse Brachial pulse Radial pulse Femoral pulse Popliteal pulse Posterior tibial pulse Dorsalis pedis pulse
Where can the temporal artery be palpated?
Anterior to or in front of the ear
Where can the carotid artery be palpated?
In the groove between the trachea and the sternocleidomastoid muscle, medial to and alongside the muscle
Where can the apical pulse be auscultated?
At the left mid-clavicular, fifth intercostal space
Where is the brachial pulse located?
Above the elbow at the antecubital fossa, between the biceps and the triceps muscles
Where is the radial pulse located?
In the groove along the radial or thumb side of the patient’s inner wrist.
Where is the popliteal pulse located?
Behind the knee
Where is the femoral pulse located?
Below the inguinal ligament, midway between the symphysis pubis and the anterosuperior iliac spine
Where is the posterior tibial pulse located?
On the inner side of the ankle, behind and below the malleous (ankle bone)
Where is the dorsalis pedis pulse located?
On the top of the foot in line with the groove between the extensor tendons of the great and first toes.
What is “pulse deficit?”
Peripheral pulse rate is less than the ventricular pulse rate (radial pulse is less than apical). Indicates a lack of peripheral perfusion. Can indicate cardiac dysrhythmias.
