Question

Vital Signs: Pulse

a) Define pulse. What is the purpose of measuring a pulse?
b) On accompanying diagram, mark the various sites for measuring heart rate. What are the two (2) most commonly used sites when measuring heart rate in adults?
c) Identify factors that affect pulse rate. Which factors tend to elevate pulse rate? Which factors tend to lower pulse rate?
d) State the rationale for assessing the following prior to taking a client’s pulse below:

i) emotional and activity level
ii) colour and warmth if taking pedal pulse
iii) facial pallor and cyanosis

e. In addition to rate, what other factors are assessed when measuring a pulse?
f. Define the following terms: tachycardia; bradycardia; amplitude and contour of pulse; dysrhythmia.

Answer 1

Ansay Pulse :- Pulse is an alternate expansion recoil of an artery as the wave of b is forced through it during the cont of the left ventricle. Purpose of measuring a pulse. To establish baseline data for subsequent evaluation To identify whether the pulse rate is within normal range. To determine whether the pulse rythm is. regular & the ppulse volume is appropriate. To determine the equality of corresponding peripheral pulse on each side of the body. Ans b) Sites of measuring heart rate: i carotid pulse in Radial vii) Posterior ii) Apical pulse V Femoral tibial artery i ulnar pulse vil popliteal vii porsalis pedi pulse i Carotid artery at the side of the neck ii) Apical pulse is palpated to count the rate in infants. ili ulnas artery. iv) Radial artery in front of the wrist. V Femoral artery in the groin.

(back of knee astery in the poplitial fossa Posterior tibial artery behind the medial malleolus. onery on the boot most common site of measuring pulse is radial artery in front of the wrist in adults. other are i- carotid , brachial & femoral. Ansc) Factors affecting pulse rate : - > Age :- The very young age have a rapid Ipulse rate . The adults have a normal range of 70-80 / min. The very old have relatively slow pulse rate. li Sex :- The female has a slightly more rapid pulse than the male. My Physique i The Short person with small body build has a slightly more rapid pulse than the tall heavy individual. in Exercise & increased muscular will increase the pulse rate activity

- vy Food increase Indigestion in the of . pulse viny ongestion of food causes a slight hours he pulse rate for several Posture. The pulse rate is higher when he body is When in standing in position sitting tha or reclining LEmotions ou mental position, or emotional disturbances will increase pulse rate villy temporarily. Application of heat can increase the pulse rate. IX Pain :- increases pulse rate Xy Increased body temperature increases pulse rate xiy Disease conditions like loss of blood injury to the viscera & shock etc increases the pulse rate. In typhoid fever the pulse rate tends to be slow. xüy Drugs: stimulands eg: catteine jatropine etc will raise the pulse rate. Administration of sedatives can reduce the pulse rate. pulse xilry cold applications can reduce the rate.

Ans f) Tachycardia :- Increase in the pulse rate more than 100 beats per minute is called tachy cardia Brady cardia: A slow heart beat 60 beats per minute less than Amplitude & The magnitude of a pulse parameter such as the field intensity , voltage level, current level or power level → contour of pulse :- It is a palpatiory, estimation of arteriogram. Dystythmias is It is a disorder of rythm that indicates any variation from normal rythm.