A normal adult pulse will beat regularly between 60 and 100 times each minute at rest; in babies and children they are much faster. Pulses are usually easily palpable; patients with a weak or unstable pulse should be assessed further; weak pulses indicate reduced cardiac output and can progress to deterioration, for example fainting, or perhaps a more serious problem. Ensure the patient is relaxed and the relative position of the chosen site is equal to, or lower than, the level of the heart
