Vital Signs –Body Temperature, Pulse Rate, Respiration And Blood Pressure

What is Pulse Rate?

 

Pulse rate is the number of heartbeats per minute.

Pulse rate, also known as heart rate, it is the measurement of the heart rate or the number of times the heart beats per minute.

Pulse rate is the number of times rhythmic dilation of arteries as a result of the heart contracting or pumping action of the heart

 

Heart rate = Pulse rate

A rhythmic dilation or expansion of arteries wall that results from the beating of the Heart.

Pulse is often measured by feeling the arteries of the wrist (radial artery) and neck (carotid artery).

 

There are four primary main vital signs; body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure. Check details here.

 

Normal Pulse rate in Adult

 

In Adults, the Normal pulse rate is between 60-100 beats/min.

 

Pulse is commonly assessed by Palpation (feeling) or Auscultation (hearing)

 

Normal Range of Pulse Rate by Age

 Pulse rate normal range -

Age Group	Pulse Rate/Minute
Infant	120-160  beats/minute
Toddler	90-140 beats/minute
Preschooler	80-110 beats/minute
School-age Child	75-100 beats/minute
Adolescent	60-90 beats/minute
Adult	60-100 beats/minute

                                                                               

 

Sites for Measuring Pulse Rate

 These sites are- 

1. Temporal artery

The temporal artery is located over the temporal bone or superior and lateral to the eye.

 

2. Carotid artery

The carotid artery is located on both sides of your neck.

 

3. Facial artery

The facial artery is located outer angle of the lower jaw.

 

4. Apical artery

The apical artery is located Left side of the chest in the 4th, 5th, or 6th intercostal space.

 

5. Brachial artery

The brachial artery is located above the elbow.

 

6. Radial artery

The radial artery is located in the wrist on the thumb side. Radial side of the wrist, with tips of the index and middle fingers.

 

7. Femoral artery

The femoral artery is located in the thigh, located groin area.

 

8. Popliteal artery

The popliteal artery is located deep within the popliteal fossa, located at the back of the knee joint.

 

9. Posterior tibial artery

A posterior tibial artery is located behind the ankle.

 

10. Dorsalis pedis artery

Dorsalis pedis artery is Located on the dorsal surface of the foot (on the top of the foot).

Alteration in Pulse rate

 

1. Tachycardia

Adult Pulse rate >100 beats/min is called Tachycardia.

2. Bradycardia

Adult Pulse rate <60 beats/min is called Bradycardia.