Chapter 3: Pulse and Respiration

Finding the Error Activity: Radial Pulse – Feedback

As per Figure 3.8, an incorrect technique is being demonstrated because the pads of the three fingers are being placed on the ulnar side of the wrist. The correct technique (Figure 3.9) to palpate the radial pulse involves placing the pads of the three fingers along the radius which is on the lateral side of the wrist (the thumb side). The pads of the fingers are placed on the radius bone close to the flexor aspect of the wrist.

  Incorrect placement of fingers

Healthcare provider placing fingers incorrectly on the ulnar side of wrist to take radial pulse

Figure 3.8: Incorrect placement of fingers

  Correct placement of fingers

While palpating the pulse, gently place the pads of your three fingers along the radial bone at the flexor aspect of the wrist (the thumb side).

Healthcare provider placing fingers along the radial bone near the flexor aspect of wrist to correctly measure radial pulse

Figure 3.9: Correct placement of fingers

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Vital Sign Measurement Across the Lifespan - 1st Canadian edition Copyright © 2018 by Ryerson University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.