Pulse assessment

1 Before watching

Which pulse sites do you know? Name at least two. What can a pulse tell a nurse?

2 Match the pulse sites

1 radial   2 carotid   3 apical   4 femoral   5 popliteal   6 dorsalis pedis

a in the groin
b on the top of the foot
c at the wrist on the thumb side
d behind the knee
e on the side of the neck
f over the apex of the heart on the left side of the chest

Answers: 1 ___  2 ___  3 ___  4 ___  5 ___  6 ___

3 Watch and complete

Word bank: rhythm • tachycardia • strength • bradycardia • stethoscope

1 A nurse assesses pulse rate, __________ and __________.
2 In the video, an adult heart rate below 60 bpm is called __________.
3 An adult heart rate above 100 bpm is called __________.
4 The apical pulse is assessed by listening with a __________.

Now complete the range mentioned in the video: usual adult resting pulse = ____–____ bpm.

4 True or false

Write T or F. Correct each false statement orally.

1 ___ Both carotid arteries should be palpated at the same time.
2 ___ Heavy pressure should be applied when checking the carotid pulse.
3 ___ A weak, thready pulse and a full, bounding pulse describe pulse strength.
4 ___ A Doppler device can help detect a pulse that is difficult to palpate.
5 ___ Infants usually have a slower resting heart rate than adults.

5 Think and explain

1 What risk does the video mention when both carotid arteries are pressed at once?
__________________________________________________________________
2 What is the difference between palpation and auscultation?
__________________________________________________________________
3 Which pulse in the foot is checked behind the medial ankle bone?
__________________________________________________________________

6 Calculate and report

For this exercise, a regular radial pulse is counted for 30 seconds. Multiply by 2.

a 36 beats in 30 seconds = ______ bpm.
b 44 beats in 30 seconds = ______ bpm.

Use result a to complete the handover: “The patient’s radial pulse is ______ beats per minute. The
rhythm is regular.”

7 Speak to a patient

Patient: “What are you checking at my wrist?”
Nurse: Explain in 3–4 sentences. Ask permission and ask the patient to relax their arm.
Useful phrases: “May I…?” • “I’m checking…” • “Please relax…” • “Thank you.”