Pulse

Pulse Assessment

Assessing the pulse involves evaluating the heart rate, rhythm, and quality, which provides information about cardiovascular health and hemodynamic stability.

1. Rate:
   • Normal Rate: 60-100 bpm.
   • Tachycardia: >100 bpm.
   • Bradycardia: <60 bpm.
2. Rhythm:
   • Regular: Evenly spaced beats.
   • Irregular: Unevenly spaced beats, such as in atrial fibrillation.
3. Strength:
   • Bounding: Stronger than normal pulse, may indicate high cardiac output or hyperthyroidism.
   • Weak/Thready: Weaker than normal pulse, may indicate low cardiac output, shock, or dehydration.
4. Equality:
   • Symmetrical: Pulses are equal on both sides of the body.
   • Asymmetrical: Differences may indicate vascular obstruction or anatomical anomalies.
5. Characteristics:
   • Normal: Smooth, rounded contour.
   • Abnormal: Pulses that are irregular, weak, or variable in strength.