NCMA111 HEALTH ASSESSMENT LABORATORY

Checklist for Assessing Vital Signs – Peripheral Pulse

NAME OF STUDENT: FINAL GRADE:

Year Level and Section:

PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTION
RATING SCALE
4 Consistently demonstrates ability to perform skill with no instructor assistance cueing.
3 Demonstrates ability to perform skill. Requires instructor verbal cueing.
2 Inconsistently demonstrates ability to perform skill. Requires instructor assistance and cueing.
1 Unable to perform skill. Demonstrated unsafe patient care.

PURPOSES
• To establish baseline data for subsequent evaluation • To identify whether the pulse rate is within normal range • To determine the
pulse volume and whether the pulse rhythm is regular • To determine the equality of corresponding peripheral pulses on each side of
the body • To monitor and assess changes in the client’s health status • To monitor clients at risk for pulse alterations (e.g., those with
a history of heart disease or experiencing cardiac arrhythmias, hemorrhage, acute pain, infusion of large volumes of fluids, or fever) •
To evaluate blood perfusion to the extremities
COMPETENCIES SCORE REMARKS
1. ASSESSMENT
• Clinical signs of cardiovascular alterations such as dyspnea, fatigue,
pallor, cyanosis, palpitations, syncope, or impaired peripheral tissue
perfusion
• Factors that may alter pulse rate
• Which site is most appropriate for assessment based on the purpose
2. PLANNING:
• Clock, timer, or watch with a sweep second hand or digital seconds
indicator
3. IMPLEMENTATION: Prior to performing the procedure, introduce self and
verify the client’s identity using agency protocol. Explain
4. Perform hand hygiene and observe appropriate infection prevention
procedures.
5. Provide for client privacy
6. Select the pulse point.
7. Assist the client to a comfortable resting position
8. Palpate and count the pulse. Place two or three middle fingertips lightly and
squarely over the pulse point.
9. Assess the pulse rhythm and volume.
10. Document the pulse rate, rhythm, and volume and your actions in the client
record.
13. EVALUATION: Compare the pulse rate to recent, baseline or usual range.
14. Relate pulse rate and volume to other vital signs
15. If assessing peripheral pulses, evaluate equality, rate and volume.
16. Conduct appropriate follow-up.
TOTAL SCORE
Reference: Berman , A., Snyder, S. J., & Frandsen, G. (2021). Kozier & Erb's Fundamentals of Nursing: Concepts, Process, and Practice, 11th Edition. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Prentice Hall.

STUDENT’S DOCUMENTATION
Date: ___________________________
Time: ___________________________
Name of Patient: _______________________________________________________
Age: ________________________ Birthday: ________________________________

Procedure Performed: __________________________________________________

Assessment Findings:

_______________________________
Student Nurse’s Name and Signature

Computation of Grade

Clinical Instructor: ______________________________

Date: