9 Assessing Radial Pulse
Assessment
- Identified factors that normally influence pulse.
- Determined client’s baseline pulse from client’s record.
Nursing Diagnosis
- Identified the purpose and risks associated with assessing a radial pulse.
Planning
- Identified expected outcomes.
- Explained procedure to client.
Evaluation
- Established client’s baseline pulse. Compared pulse rate and character with client’s baseline and normal range.
- Identified unexpected outcomes.
- Reported and recorded pulse correctly.
Assessing Radial Pulse – Implementation
- Performed hand hygiene.
- Provided privacy.
- Assisted client to supine or sitting position.
- If client supine, placed client’s forearm across lower chest with wrist extended and palm down. If client sitting bent client elbow 90 ° and supported lower arm on chair or on nurse’s arm. Slightly extended client’s wrist with palm down.
- Placed fingertips of first two or middle three fingers over radial pulse.
- Lightly compressed against radius, obliterated pulse and then relaxed pressure.
- Palpated radial pulse and determined strength of pulse.
- Began to count rate when pulse was felt regularly.
- Counted pulse rate for 30 seconds and multiplied by 2 if pulse regular.
- Counted pulse rate for 60 seconds if pulse irregular.
- Maintained placement of fingers in order to assess respirations without the client knowledge.
- Assisted client to return to comfortable position.
Faculty Comments
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| The student was unable to perform the skill competently and will be retested. |
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