How is a pulse typically measured and what is the normal range?

How is a pulse typically measured and what is the normal range?

• A. Taken at the wrist, counted for 30 seconds, multiplied by 2; normal is 60-100
• B. Taken at the neck for 60 seconds; normal 40-60
• C. Measured with a stethoscope over the heart; normal 80-120
• D. Estimated by appearance

Answer: (A)

Pulse is the heart rate, usually measured by feeling a peripheral artery such as the radial pulse at the wrist. When the rhythm is regular, counting the beats for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 gives beats per minute quickly for a routine check. The normal resting rate for adults is about 60 to 100 beats per minute. If the rhythm is irregular, you should count for a full 60 seconds to get an accurate value. Measuring with a stethoscope over the heart is for listening to heart sounds, not counting the pulse, and estimating by appearance is not reliable for determining heart rate.

Pulse is the heart rate, usually measured by feeling a peripheral artery such as the radial pulse at the wrist. When the rhythm is regular, counting the beats for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 gives beats per minute quickly for a routine check. The normal resting rate for adults is about 60 to 100 beats per minute. If the rhythm is irregular, you should count for a full 60 seconds to get an accurate value. Measuring with a stethoscope over the heart is for listening to heart sounds, not counting the pulse, and estimating by appearance is not reliable for determining heart rate.