Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026
Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Children
Published on: April 29, 2013
Parents measuring pulses; an observational study
J White1, S Shepperd, P Yudkin
1Department of Primary Care, University of Oxford, Institute of Health Sciences, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK.
Insights
Parents can accurately measure school-aged children's pulse rates after training, but struggle with preschoolers. This finding highlights the potential and limitations of parent-reported pulse data in pediatric care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Clinical Measurement
- Patient Education
Background:
- Parent-reported vital signs can offer insights into a child's health status.
- Accurate pulse rate measurement is crucial for assessing pediatric clinical conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the agreement between parent-measured pulse rates and pulse oximeter readings in children.
- To assess the effectiveness of a brief educational intervention on parental pulse measurement accuracy.
Main Methods:
- A study involving parents and children was conducted.
- Parents received a brief educational intervention on measuring pulse rates.
- Agreement between parent measurements and pulse oximeter readings was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Parents demonstrated the ability to accurately measure the pulse rates of school-aged children post-intervention.
- Parents experienced difficulties in accurately measuring the pulse rates of preschool-aged children.
Conclusions:
- Educational interventions can empower parents to accurately measure pulse rates in school-aged children.
- Parental measurement of pulse rates in preschool children remains a challenge, requiring further investigation or alternative methods.
Abstract:
Parent reported pulse rates could provide important information on a child's clinical condition. The agreement between the parent's measurement of their child's pulse and a pulse oximeter was assessed following a brief educational intervention. Parents can be taught to measure the pulse of school age children, but have difficulty with preschool children.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Special considerations while measuring pulse
01:17Assessment of apical pulse
Assessing the apical pulse is a critical nursing procedure, particularly indicated for:
01:11Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation
01:20Regulation of Pulse
01:16Pulse
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...