Pulse Measurement and Levels of Assistance

Flashcards covering pulse measurement techniques and levels of assistance in patient care.

How to check a pulse

Locate the pulse at temporal, carotid, brachial, radial, apical, femoral, popliteal, dorsal pedal, or posterior tibial sites.

Normal pulse BPM range

A normal pulse rate is between 60-100 beats per minute.

Independent

Patient can perform a transfer without any verbal or manual assistance.

Modified independent

Patient may require verbal cues or uses assistive/adaptive equipment.

Assisted assistance

Patient requires assistance from another person to perform the activity safely.

Standby (supervision) assistance

Patient needs verbal or tactile cues from another person positioned close without touching.

Contact guarding

Caregiver is positioned close with hands on the patient or a gait belt for protection.

Minimal assistance

Patient performs 75% or more of the activity but requires some help.

Moderate assistance

Patient performs 50%-74% of the activity and requires assistance.

Maximal assistance

Patient performs 25%-49% of the activity and requires support.

Dependent

Patient requires total physical assistance from one or more persons to accomplish the activity.

Korotkoff sounds

Sounds heard while measuring blood pressure.