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3.12: Test Yourself- List in the Correct Order

  • Page ID
    16836
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    List the steps below in the correct order for each of the following techniques. Write your list on a piece of paper.

    Radial Pulse Technique

    • Note the rate, rhythm, force, and equality when measuring the radial pulse
    • Use the pads of your first three fingers to gently palpate the radial pulse along the radius bone close to the flexor aspect of the wrist
    • Press down with your fingers until you can best feel the pulsation

    Carotid Pulse Technique

    • Gently palpate the carotid artery one at a time
    • Note the rate, rhythm, force, and equality when measuring the carotid pulse
    • Locate the carotid artery medial to the sternomastoid muscle in the middle third of the neck
    • Ask the client to sit upright.

    Apical Pulse Technique

    • Physically palpate the intercostal spaces to locate the landmark of the apical pulse
    • Ask the client to lay flat in a supine position
    • Note the rate and rhythm
    • Auscultate the apical pulse

    Brachial Pulse Technique

    • Move your fingers medial from the tendon and about one inch above the antecubital fossa to locate the brachial pulse
    • Palpate the bicep tendon in the area of the antecubital fossa
    • Note the rate and rhythm

    Respiration Technique

    • Count for 30 seconds if the rhythm is regular or for a full minute if it is irregular
    • Observe the rise and fall of the chest or abdomen
    • Leave your fingers in place when you are done counting the pulse, and then begin assessing respiration
    • Report the respirations as breaths per minute, as well as whether breathing is relaxed, silent, and has a regular rhythm
    Go to the next page to see the correct order of steps for these techniques.

     


    This page titled 3.12: Test Yourself- List in the Correct Order is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lapum et al. (Ryerson University Library) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.