How to count the pulse
One of the important skills of a nurse is the study of the pulse. Consider how to calculate the pulse correctly and without complications.
Most often, the pulse is examined on the superficially located radial artery. The pulse is determined by II, III and partially IV, V fingers.
If you count the pulse with the help of the first finger, you can mistakenly count your pulse. This can happen due to the passage of a branch of the radial artery - the artery of the thumb - in its small pillow.
The nurse places her hand slightly above the wrist joint, placing the first finger on the back of the wrist or forearm, and the remaining fingers above the radial artery.
When palpating the artery, press it against the radius and start counting.
How to calculate the pulse correctly? In case of cardiac pathology, the count must be carried out within 60 seconds, because. the patient may have an arrhythmia. Looking at the second hand of a watch or stopwatch, count the number of beats.
Often, the pulse is counted in 15 seconds and multiplied by 4, getting a total heart rate per minute.
On the carotid artery, the pulse should be measured with caution due to possible reflex cardiac arrest.
Normal heart rate in a healthy person is from 60 to 80 per minute.
