Checking Pulse Rate
Learn how to find your Pulse Rate. Use two fingers on the radial or carotid artery for measuring normal heart rates while resting.
Finding Pulse; Carotid artery
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Locate the patient’s Adam’s apple with the index and middle fingers of one hand
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Slide the fingers down into the groove of the neck on the side closest to you
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If you can’t find the pulse on the side closest to you, move to the opposite side
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Never try to feel the carotid pulse on both sides at the same time
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Count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by two to determine the heartbeats per minute
Finding Pulse; Radial artery
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Locate artery on patient’s wrist, thumb side of hand
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Slide two or three fingers into the groove of the wrist immediately below hand on the thumb side
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Do not use your thumb when taking a radial pulse
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Count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by two to determine the heartbeats per minute
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Determine whether the pulse may be described as rapid, strong or weak. The average pulse rate for adults at rest is 60 to 90 beats per minute