3.13: Test Yourself- List in the Correct Order – Answers
The steps are listed in the correct order for each of the following techniques. These are printable flashcards to help you memorize and practice the techniques.
Radial Pulse Technique
- 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
- Note the rate, rhythm, force, and equality when measuring the radial pulse
Carotid Pulse Technique
- Ask the client to sit upright
- Locate the carotid artery medial to the sternomastoid muscle in the middle third of the neck
- Gently palpate the carotid artery one at a time
- Note the rate, rhythm, force, and equality when measuring the carotid pulse
Apical Pulse Technique
- Ask the client to lay flat in a supine position
- Physically palpate the intercostal spaces to locate the landmark of the apical pulse
- Auscultate the apical pulse
- Note the rate and rhythm
Brachial Pulse Technique
- Palpate the bicep tendon in the area of the antecubital fossa
- Move your fingers medial from the tendon and about one inch above the antecubital fossa to locate the pulse
- Note the rate and rhythm
Respiration Technique
- Leave your fingers in place when you are done counting the pulse, and then begin assessing respiration
- Observe the rise and fall of the chest or abdomen
- Count for 30 seconds if the rhythm is regular or for a full minute if it is irregular
- Report respiration as breaths per minute, as well as whether breathing is relaxed, silent, and has a regular rhythm