Pulse Examination-Important principles of Nursing
The pulse is felt over arteries where they lie over a bone and under the skin. It is felt due to the pulsatile flow of blood through the arteries as a result of contraction and volume tells about the condition of the heart and circulation.
The pulse can be felt at the following sites.
Sties of Peripheral Pulses
Vessel Site
Carotid – Against transverse process of 6th cervical vertebra in the side of the neck
Axillary – Against the head of the humerus on the lateral wall of the axilla
Brachial – Against the humerus on the medial aspect of the arm
Radial – Against the lower and of the radius on the front of the wrist
Temporal – Against the temporal bone in front of the ear
Femoral – At the root of the lower limb
Popliteal – Against the upper end of tibia on the back of the knee
Tibial – On the medial aspect of the ankle
Dorsalis pedis – On the front of the ankle
Clinically the pulse is examined in the neck or at the wrist. The pulse rate is counted for 1 minute and is expressed in terms of beats per minute.
