Basic Nursing Skills - Vital Signs
Accurately measure and record a resident's radial pulse rate. Normal adult pulse ranges from 60-100 beats per minute.
Critical steps are identified only where the CareFlow study checklist marks them.
Perform hand hygiene
Critical step
Address resident by name and explain the procedure
Ensure resident is comfortable and has been resting for at least 5 minutes
Position resident's arm comfortably with palm facing upward
Locate radial artery on thumb side of wrist using tips of first two or three fingers
Critical step
Do not use thumb to take pulse (thumb has its own pulse)
Critical step
Apply gentle pressure until pulse is felt
Count pulse beats for one full minute using a watch with second hand
Critical step
Note rhythm (regular or irregular) and strength (strong, weak, bounding)
Record pulse rate accurately within plus or minus 4 beats of evaluator's count
Critical step
Report any abnormal findings to nurse (rate below 60 or above 100, irregular rhythm)
Perform hand hygiene
Critical step
Requirements and evaluator wording can vary by state and testing program. Compare this study checklist with your current candidate handbook and instructor guidance.