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
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