Test: Pulse/Heart Rate

Video Link

Background/Purpose

The pulse rate is a measurement of the heart rate, or the number of times the heart beats per minute. As the heart pushes blood through the arteries, the arteries expand and contract with the flow of the blood. Taking a pulse not only measures the heart rate, but also can indicate the following: Heart rhythm. Strength of the pulse

The normal pulse for healthy adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. The pulse rate may fluctuate and increase with exercise, illness, injury, and emotions. Females ages 12 and older, in general, tend to have faster heart rates than do males. Athletes, such as runners, who do a lot of cardiovascular conditioning, may have heart rates near 40 beats per minute and experience no problems.

Procedure

The pulse can be found on the side of the neck, on the inside of the elbow, or at the wrist. For most people, it is easiest to take the pulse at the wrist. If you use the lower neck, be sure not to press too hard, and never press on the pulses on both sides of the lower neck at the same time to prevent blocking blood flow to the brain. When taking your pulse:
1. Using the first and second fingertips, press firmly but gently on the arteries until you feel a pulse.
2. Begin counting the pulse when the clock's second hand is on the 12.
3. Count your pulse for 60 seconds (or for 15 seconds and then multiply by four to calculate beats per minute).
4. When counting, do not watch the clock continuously, but concentrate on the beats of the pulse.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Take pulse rate.

Criteria

• Steady rate
• Steady rhythm

Measurement

beats/min

LOINC Code

8867-4

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail