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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
06:08
Pulse Wave Velocity Testing in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Published on: February 7, 2014
Providing best practice in manual pulse measurement
1School of Health and Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, UK.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|March 12, 2010
Summary
Healthcare professionals need accurate pulse measurement skills for safe patient care. This article details pulse rate monitoring techniques, influencing factors, and essential knowledge for effective clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Cardiovascular Assessment
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Pulse rate is a critical vital sign in patient assessment.
- Accurate pulse measurement is fundamental for clinical decision-making.
- Healthcare professionals require specific knowledge and skills for reliable pulse monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define pulse rate and its clinical significance.
- To outline essential knowledge and skills for healthcare professionals in pulse monitoring.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of pulse measurement techniques and considerations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on pulse measurement guidelines and best practices.
- Explanation of physiological factors influencing pulse rate.
- Description of common pulse sites and palpation techniques.
Main Results:
- Pulse rate definition and importance elucidated.
- Key pulse sites (e.g., radial, apical) and their characteristics detailed.
- Factors affecting pulse rate (e.g., age, activity, medication) discussed.
Conclusions:
- Proficiency in pulse monitoring is crucial for safe and effective patient care.
- Continuous learning and skill refinement in vital sign measurement are essential for healthcare professionals.
- Accurate pulse assessment directly impacts patient diagnosis and treatment planning.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Special considerations while measuring pulse
Assessing a patient's pulse is a fundamental skill in healthcare, but certain situations require special attention:
01:16Pulse
When the heart pumps blood out, arterial elastic fibers play a crucial role in sustaining a high-pressure gradient. They expand to accommodate the received blood and then recoil - a process known as the pulse that can be either manually palpated or electronically quantified. Despite a reduction in its effect with increased distance from the heart, elements of the pulse's systolic and diastolic components persist, observable even at the arteriole level.
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...
The pulse serves as a clinical indicator...
01:05Pulse
The pulse is one of the most fundamental physiological indicators of the body's cardiovascular health. It is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the arterial walls in response to the pressure generated by the heart's pumping action.
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls between...
Pulse Rate and its Significance
Pulse rate, often measured in beats per minute (bpm), reflects the heart rate (HR), which is influenced by numerous factors such as stress, physical activity, and hormonal changes. A normal resting adult pulse rate falls between...
01:11Assessment of radial pulse
Assessment 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:
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:
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
Direct Method
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
Apical-Radial (A-R) Pulse Assessment
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
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