Arterial Pulse: Radial

Slide 1:Arterial Pulse: Radial To assess cardiac function. To assess state of health.

Slide 2:Method Of Exam  Simultaneously palpate both radial pulses.  Note the rate, rhythm, character, amplitude and compare both pulses.  Feel the pulse with one finger.  To evaluate character of pulse - compress brachial artery against humerus and let up part way to feel percussion and tidal peaks.  Raise the patient's forearm and feel for a bounding pulse by feeling with the flat of your palm.

Slide 3: Normal:  Pulse is symmetrical, regular and between 60-90 per minute.  You have to learn to appreciate the character and amplitude of the normal pulse.

Slide 4:Abnormal Finding  Rate  Bradycardia: Less than 60/min (Myxedema, heart block, raised IC tension, obstructive jaundice)  Tachycardia: Faster than 100/min. (Sinus tachy