If you work in the medical profession, you will occasionally have to document a patient's pulse.Even if you're not a doctor, you might want to keep a record of your pulse because of an injury, food allergy, or athletic commitment.The strength of the pulse is rated on a scale of one to four.You can find someone's pulse on their neck or wrist by counting the beats and writing down the number on a piece of paper.It is easy to do with a little dedication and practice.
Step 1: If you don't have a pulse, mark it as zero.
Some patients don't have a pulse, which is an indication that they are dead or in need of medical attention.Life support guidelines should be followed during a medical emergency.Once the individual is under the care of an emergency medical team, document the absence of a pulse as a "0," meaning no pulse.
Step 2: For a faint pulse, write 1 for it.
It is possible to find a pulse, but it is very faint.The pulse may be very slow and the beating will be light.An extremely faint pulse is recorded.
Step 3: The pulse should be marked as "2.
If the pulse is easy to feel, but slower, this would be marked as a "2."The pulse may be slower than average, but it should be easy to feel.A pulse under 60 beats per minute is considered a low pulse.This is not always an indicator of a medical problem.People who engage in a lot of aerobic activity have a lower pulse.
Step 4: The average pulse should be 3.
If the pulse is steady, easy to detect, and within a normal range, this is an average pulse.This would be recorded as 3.The average pulse is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Step 5: For a fast pulse, write "4".
This would be a "4" if the pulse is stronger and quicker than usual.It is easy to find a pulse in the "4" range.The beats have more force than the average pulse.A fast pulse is a pulse over 100 beats per minute.
Step 6: The pulse rate should be recorded.
While recording someone's pulse, use a watch or timer on your phone to time yourself.The number of beats should be counted during that time.The pulse rate is measured in beats per minute.If you want to save time, you can count someone's pulse for 30 seconds and then divide that number by two.
Step 7: The pulse should be steady.
A regular pulse is desirable.The pulse should beat at an even rate.It shouldn't speed up or slow down.The pulse should be noted if it was steady.If the pulse was irregular, make a note of it.It is not a cause for concern when there is a pause.These can be normal for young and elderly people.Unusual pauses can pose a threat if someone is dizzy or lightheaded.
Step 8: Write down the strength of the pulse.
Measuring strength is subjective.The strength of the pulse should be taken into account.The pulse should be described as weak, faint, strong, or bounding.A weak pulse is hard to feel.A faint pulse is still weak.A strong pulse is easy to find and measure.It should be strong enough that you can feel it, but not too strong.A bounding pulse can be faster and it can also be stronger.It is possible to feel palpitations in the wrist or neck.
Step 9: You can make a pulse examination in a warm room.
Cool temperatures can affect pulse.If you want to make sure you're getting the correct resting pulse rate, take the person's pulse in a warm room.
Step 10: Hold the person's arm straight.
If you hold their wrist in your hand, you can help steady their arm.Make sure their palm is facing upward.
Step 11: You can find their pulse with your index and middle finger.
Place your middle finger on the person's wrist.The light beat indicates a pulse.If you take someone's pulse, keep your thumb away.A reading can be affected by your thumb's pulse.
Step 12: The pulse can be found in the neck.
If you can't find the pulse in someone's wrist, place your ring finger on the side of their neck.Feel around until you find a pulse by placing your fingers on the side of the windpipe.