1. This document discusses how to take and assess pulses, including rate, rhythm, volume, and abnormalities. Key points include regular vs. irregular rhythm and normal vs. weak volume.
2. Specific locations for taking pulses are outlined, such as radial, femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial pulses. Differences like a delay between radial pulses or radial and femoral pulses can indicate issues.
3. Diagrams show the locations of peripheral pulses in the upper and lower limbs, such as the carotid, brachial, radial, femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial pulses.
2. 1- Rate : 80/min (sinus rhythm).
2- Rhythm :
- regular rhythm.
- Irregular rhythm :
3- Volume :
- Good volume.
- Weak volume : signifies narrow pulse pressure. It may be due to low cardiac output,
as seen in hypovolemic shock, hypovolemia, dehydration, (Rapid rate).
- large volume (Bounding pulse) : signifies high pulse pressure. It may be due to low peripheral resistance,
as seen in hypertension, anemia.
Pulse
Regular irregularity.
Completely irregular
(arterial fibrillation).
3. 4- Abnormal character :
- Collapsing pulse (most common) : large volume pulse, as seen in anemia, aortic regurgitation, pregnancy,
and from the congenital heart diseases : fetal ductus arteriosus.
- Slow rising : small volume pulse, as seen in aortic valve stenosis.
5- Radioradial delay (Synchronicity) :
- Compare between the 2 radial pulse.
- Can be delay as seen in coarctation of the aorta.
6- Radiofemoral delay (Synchronicity) :
- Compare the radial pulse with the femoral pulse.
- Also it can be delay as seen in coarctation of the aorta.
Pulse cont.
4. Upper limb
- Carotid pulse.
- Brachial pulse.
- Radial pulse.
Lower limb
- Femoral pulse : In the femoral triangle.
- Popliteal pulse : Behind the knee (in popliteal fossa), typically done with both hands.
- Dorsalis pedis pulse : On dorsal surface of the foot.
- Posterior tibial pulse : Posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus.
Peripheral Pulse
