Measuring Radial Pulse

1. The resident must be placed in the supine position.
2. After the positioning, place the arm straight at the side, or fold it over the chest. If the patient is sitting, place their arm on a flat surface, or support it with yours.
3. Place the fat pads of the first two fingers, over the groove along the radial side of the resident’s list. Extend the wrist slightly.
4. Press lightly against the radial bone, so that the pulse becomes momentarily absent, and feel the strongest pulse after release.
5. Determine the strength of the pulse based on its force.
6. Count for 30 seconds and multiply the number by 2.
7. If the pulse appears to be irregular, or less than 50 BPM, count it for 60 seconds. If the BPM is less than 50-60, this could mean that the resident is in danger, and you should report this to the nurse immediately.
8. Record all characteristics of the pulse within the facility form.

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