Top Tips: Pulse Check #VitalSigns


1. Start with gentle palpation

2. Locate the radial pulse by first finding the distal end of the radius

3. Use two or three fingers lightly applied to the patient’s wrist

4. Slightly extend the patient’s wrist to bring the radial artery closer to the skin

5. Count for at least 30 seconds

6. Let the patient’s arm rest on their leg, belly, arm of a chair, or cradle it with your other hand

7. Mark the location if you had difficulty finding the pulse initially

What are your top tips for finding and counting a patient’s heart rate?