Assessing Pulse and Blood Flow

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary factor that regulates pulse rate?

Heartbeat rhythm

Compliance of arterial wall

Autonomic nervous system (correct)

Stroke volume

What is the normal range of pulse rate in adults?

40-60 BPM

100-140 BPM

60-100 BPM (correct)

140-180 BPM

Where is the apical pulse typically located?

At the apex of the heart (correct)

At the neck

At the wrist

At the elbow

What is the term for the difference between peripheral and apical pulse?

Pulse deficit Signup and view all the answers

What is the method of assessing pulse by feeling?

Palpation Signup and view all the answers

Where is the femoral pulse typically taken?

Along the inguinal ligament Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal pulse rate for an adult?

60-66 BPM Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a pulse rate that is above 66 BPM?

Tachycardia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a normal pulse?

Weak, feeble pulse Signup and view all the answers

How is pulse rhythm assessed?

By feeling the pattern and interval between the beats Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of assessing the elasticity of the arterial wall?

To assess the status of the client's vascular system Signup and view all the answers

How is an irregular pulse rate measured?

By counting the number of beats for 1 full minute Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for measuring blood pressure while the patient is standing?

Leave the cuff in place and ask the patient to stand, ensuring their safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a very deep and rapid respiration?

Hyperventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal respiration rate for a healthy adult?

16-20 breaths per minute Signup and view all the answers

What is assessed by watching the movement of the chest or abdomen during respiration?

Rate, rhythm, depth, and special characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for temporary cessation of breathing?

Apnea Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the movement of air in and out of the lungs?

Ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pulse

Pulse is a wave of blood created by the contraction of the left ventricle.
Pulse reflects the heart beat and is regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
Stroke volume and the compliance of the arterial wall are two important factors influencing pulse rate.
Pulse rate is expressed in beats per minute (BPM).

Pulse Assessment

Pulse is assessed for rate (60-100bpm), rhythm (regularity or irregularity), volume, and elasticity of the arterial wall.
Pulse is commonly assessed by palpation (feeling) and auscultation (hearing using a stethoscope).
Pulse can be assessed at different locations, including:
- Carotid: side of the neck below the tube of the ear
- Temporal: temporal bone area
- Apical: apex of the heart (routinely used for infants and children < 3 yrs)
- Brachial: inner aspect of the biceps muscle of the arm or medially in the antecubital space (elbow crease)
- Radial: on the thumb side of the inner aspect of the wrist
- Femoral: along the inguinal ligament (used for infants and children)
- Popliteal: behind the knee
- Posterior tibial: on the medial surface of the ankle
- Pedal (Dorsal Pedis): palpated by feeling the dorsum (upper surface) of the foot

Pulse Rate

Normal pulse rate is 66-60 beats per minute.
Adult pulse rate > 66 BPM is called tachycardia.
Adult pulse rate < 66 BPM is called bradycardia.

Pulse Rhythm

Pulse rhythm is the pattern and interval between the beats.
Dysrhythmia is characterized by random, irregular beats.

Pulse Volume

Pulse volume is the force of blood with each beat.
A normal pulse can be felt with moderate pressure of the fingers.
A full or bounding pulse has a forceful or full blood volume.

Elasticity of Arterial Wall

Elasticity of arterial wall is reflected in the healthy, normal artery feeling straight, smooth, soft, and easily bent.
It reflects the status of the client's vascular system.

Respiration Rate

Respiration rate (RR) is the act of breathing and includes the intake of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide.
Ventilation is another word that refers to the movement of air in and out of the lung.
Hyperventilation is a very deep, rapid respiration.
Hypoventilation is a very shallow respiration.

Respiration Assessment

Respiration rate is assessed by watching the movement of the chest or abdomen.
Rate, rhythm, depth, and special characteristics of respiration are assessed.
Rate is described in rate per minute (RPM) and is measured for a full minute if regular, or for 36 seconds if irregular.
Healthy adult RR is 26-05 per minute.
As the age decreases, the respiratory rate increases.
Eupnea is a normal breathing rate and depth.
Bradypnea is slow respiration.
Tachypnea is fast breathing.
Apnea is temporary cessation of breathing.

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Description

This quiz covers the key points of assessing pulse and blood flow, including the location of pulse points, palpation techniques, and characteristics of a pulse. It's essential knowledge for healthcare professionals and students of anatomy and physiology.