Learn how to find your Pulse Rate. Use two fingers on the radial or carotid artery for measuring normal heart rates while resting.
Finding Pulse; Carotid artery
- Locate the patient’s Adam’s apple with the index and middle fingers of one hand
- Slide the fingers down into the groove of the neck on the side closest to you
- If you can’t find the pulse on the side closest to you, move to the opposite side
- Never try to feel the carotid pulse on both sides at the same time
- Count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by two to determine the heartbeats per minute
Finding Pulse; Radial artery
- Locate artery on patient’s wrist, thumb side of hand
- Slide two or three fingers into the groove of the wrist immediately below hand on the thumb side
- Do not use your thumb when taking a radial pulse
- Count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by two to determine the heartbeats per minute
- Determine whether the pulse may be described as rapid, strong or weak. The average pulse rate for adults at rest is 60 to 90 beats per minute
Share on social media