You don't calculate a pulse point; you locate it. Pulse points are areas on the body where arteries are close to the skin's surface, making it easy to feel the pulse. To find your pulse, follow these steps:
Finding Your Pulse: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Locate a Pulse Point: Common pulse points include the wrist (radial artery), neck (carotid artery), and inner elbow (brachial artery). The Cleveland Clinic recommends using the wrist. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23918-how-to-take-your-pulse
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Position Your Fingers: Place the middle three fingers of one hand on the chosen pulse point. Avoid using your thumb, as you might confuse its pulse with the patient's.
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Apply Gentle Pressure: Press gently until you feel a rhythmic throbbing.
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Count the Pulse: Count the number of beats for 30 seconds and then multiply by two to get your beats per minute (BPM). The Cleveland Clinic provides this method for accurate pulse measurement. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23918-how-to-take-your-pulse For a more precise measurement, count for a full minute. A normal adult resting heart rate typically ranges from 60-100 BPM. RegisteredNurseRN emphasizes counting the apical pulse (a specific pulse point) for a full minute to get the most accurate heart rate reading. https://www.registerednursern.com/pulse-points-nursing-assessment/
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Note the Pulse Strength and Rhythm: Along with the rate, observe the strength (easily felt, weak, or bounding) and rhythm (regular or irregular) of the pulse.
Different Pulse Points
Several body locations provide accessible pulse points for checking your heart rate:
- Radial Artery: Located on the inner wrist, below the thumb. This is the most common place to check your pulse.
- Carotid Artery: Located on either side of the neck.
- Brachial Artery: Located in the inner elbow.
- Apical Pulse: Located at the apex of the heart; a more accurate reading of heart rate. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23346-apical-pulse
Note: The term "pulse point" is often used in the context of healthcare and manual pulse measurement. The references also mention "PulsePoint," a technology company focused on health information delivery and advertising. However, the question about "calculating" a pulse point refers to the physical location of pulse points on the body.
