CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PULSE

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PULSE

Characteristics of the pulse include- rate, rhythm, strength, and equality.

Rate:-

Pulse rate is the number of pulsing sensations occurring in one minute. Normal pulse rates at various age

Age	Pulse Average / Ranges
Newborn	130 (80 - 180)
1 year	120 (80 – 140)
5 — 8 years	100 (75 - 120)
10 years	70 (50 - 90)
Teen	75 (50 - 90)
Adult	80 (60 - 100)
Older adult	70 (60 - 100)

        Rhythm:-

The pulse rhythm is the pattern of the pulsations and the pauses between them.

·         Pulse should be regular in interval.

·         An irregular pattern of heart beats is called a dysrhythmia.

Strength:-

The strength or amplitude of a pulse reflects the volume of blood ejected against the atrial wall with each heart contraction and the condition of the vascular system leading to the pulse site.

·         Pulse strength may be graded or described as strong, weak, thready, or bounding.

Equality: Pulses on both sides of the peripheral vascular system compared for rate and strength. Assess both radial pulses to compare the characteristics of each. All symmetrical pulses can be assessed simultaneously except for the carotid pulse