1
Rest and position
For a resting pulse, let the patient rest. Support the arm when using the radial site.
Picture guide
Common pulse locations
Different pulse sites answer different assessment questions. Start with the radial pulse for routine assessment and know the central and pediatric sites as well.
Radial pulse: the everyday workhorse
Place your index and middle fingers on the thumb side of the inner wrist. Use light pressure and avoid using your thumb.
Use: A good site for routine pulse rate, rhythm, and quality in a conscious patient.
How to take it
A clean beginner pulse sequence
2
Use two fingers
Use the index and middle fingers—not the thumb, which has its own pulse.
3
Press lightly
Too much pressure can compress the artery and make the pulse disappear.
4
Count the rate
Count 30 seconds and multiply by 2 when regular. Count a full 60 seconds when irregular.
5
Assess quality
Describe rhythm, strength, and equality—not only the rate.
6
Document
Record BPM, regular/irregular, strength, site, equality if compared, and relevant patient context.
Tap-to-measure
Tap the rhythm you feel
Tap once for each pulse beat. The tool estimates the rate and whether your tapping intervals appear regular.
Pulse Tap Lab
—Estimated BPM
0Taps
—Rhythm
Tap with each beat you feel. After several taps, the page estimates the rate and regularity.
This is useful for learning the relationship between beat spacing and BPM. It is not a medical rhythm detector.
When a real pulse is irregular, count for a full minute and document the irregularity.
Arrange the steps
Pulse assessment order
Available steps
Your sequence
Practice