NUR 102
Fundamentals of Nursing
Assessing Radial Pulse
Name ___________________________________ Date ______________
Instructor ______________________________ Results
Step
1. Perform hand hygiene
2. Determine client’s baseline pulse rate
3. Explain procedure; assess for factors that influence
pulse rate
4. Close door, pull curtain, raise side rails, raise bed
to working height.
5. Assist client to assume a supine position; place
client’s forearm across lower chest or upper abdomen
with wrist extended.
6. Place tips of first three fingers of your hand over
groove along radial or thumb side of client’s inner
wrist.
7. Lightly compress against radius. Determine
strength and regularity of pulse.
8. Look at watch’s second hand, and count rate.
9. If pulse is regular, count rate for 30 seconds and
multiply by 2.
10. If pulse is irregular, count rate for 60 seconds.
When pulse is irregular, compare radial pulses
bilaterally.
11. Keep hands in place to assess respirations.
12. Document/report
S
S
U
U
NP
NP
Student result
Instructor result
Attempt #1
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Attempt #2
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Attempt #3
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