Pulse and Respiration

Pulse and Respiration

Measuring and Recording the Pulse

• Definition of Pulse:

  • Pulse is defined as the pressure that the blood exerts on the arterial wall as the heart beats and rests.

Pulse Sites

• There are multiple sites on the body where pulses can be measured. These include:

  • Carotid: Located in the neck

  • Brachial: Located in the upper arm

  • Apical: Located in the chest

  • Radial: Located in the wrist on the thumb side

  • Femoral: Located in the groin

  • Popliteal: Located behind the knee

  • Pedal: Located on the arch of the foot

Beats per Minute

• Pulse Expression:

  • The pulse rate is always expressed as a single number indicating the beats per minute, such as 76 or 88.

Pulse Rate Calculation

• Rate Definition:

  • The rate is defined as the number of beats in a minute.

  • To obtain this rating, one can count and multiply the results:

  • Measure for 15 seconds, then multiply by 4

  • Measure for 30 seconds, then multiply by 2.

Characteristics of Pulse

• Rhythm and Strength:

  • Evaluate whether the pulse is regular or irregular.

  • Assess the strength of the pulse: is it strong, weak, or thready (barely able to feel) under the fingers?

Factors that Change Pulse Rate

• Various factors can lead to changes in pulse rates, including:

  • Stress

  • Exercise

  • Weight

  • Age

  • Illness/Pain

  • Pregnancy

  • Medication

How to Obtain a Radial Pulse

• Instructions on how to obtain a pulse in the wrist are provided through an instructional video.

Normal Pulse Rates

• Adults:

  • A normal pulse rate for adults ranges from 60 - 80 beats per minute.

  • Pulse is typically taken radially.

  • Athletes may have a significantly lower pulse rate.

• Infants:

  • A normal pulse rate for infants ranges from 100 - 160 beats per minute.

  • The smaller the infant, the higher the rate.

  • Pulse is usually taken apically or in the brachial artery.

• Children:

  • Children aged 1 - 8 or up to puberty have a normal pulse rate from 80 - 100 beats per minute.

  • Pulse can be taken apically (on the chest) or radially as they grow older.

Respirations

• Obtaining Respiratory Rate:

  • Instructions to learn how to obtain respiratory rates are introduced.

Observational Considerations in Respirations

• Altered Breathing:

  • Individuals may alter their breathing patterns if they are aware they are being observed.

  • They often try to mimic the observer’s respirations.

  • It is necessary to make counting less obvious, similar to how pulse is expressed as a rate per minute.

Counting the Respirations

• Counting Technique:

  • To unobtrusively count respirations, it is recommended to take the pulse rate simultaneously:

  • Count the pulse for 15 seconds, then shift the gaze to the chest to count the rise or fall for another 15 seconds.

Tips for Counting Respirations

• Instructions and additional tips for how to accurately count respiratory rates are presented.

Normal Respiratory Rates

• Adults:

  • A normal respiratory rate for adults is 12 - 20 breaths per minute.

• Infants:

  • A normal respiratory rate for infants ranges from 18 - 34 breaths per minute.

• Children:

  • For children aged 1 - 8 or up to puberty, the normal respiratory rate is 16 - 28 breaths per minute.

Relation Between Pulse and Respiratory Rates

• Breathing and Heart Rate Correlation:

  • In general, respirations can be approximately 1/4 of the heart rate.

  • Example: If the pulse rate is 80, the respiratory rate would be approximately 20.

Practical Application

• Your Turn Activity:

  • Students are encouraged to first find their own pulse, which is easiest when locating it on oneself.

  • Once confident in locating the radial pulse, students should practice finding pulses in others within the classroom.

  • Note: Use hand sanitizer before touching another person!