Question

What are the steps for taking radial pulse?

Answer 1

Have the person sit still with their hand resting stationery in a position below their heart. Locate their thumb and follow the Radius bone from the thumb toward their wrist. Just past their wrist use the pads of your index and middle finger to palpate the radius pulse just inside the radial bone on the distal end of the forearm. If you measure the pulse for 15 secs multiply by 4, 30 seconds multiply by 2, or measure a full minute to beats per minute. After an injury to an upper extremities, it is common to locate the radial pulse on both wrists at the same time to compare the strength of the pulse thus making sure circulation is good.