THE

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
LABORATORY EXERCISE
THE PULSE
Week 9 Laboratory activity
MC102 nur – HUMAN ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY
APRIL 12-17 , 2021
 At the end of the
exercise the student
shall be able to
• Explain the concept of the
General pressure wave or pulse
Objective: • Identify the different pulse site
• Demonstrate detection of the
pulse in a human subject
• Identify factors that affects
pulse rate
Introduction:

• The pulse is the palpable throbbing of blood flow.

Because of the force of the blood exiting the heart, aortic
distention creates a pulse wave that travels rapidly
toward the extremities. When the pulse waves reaches a
peripheral artery, the examiner can feel it by lightly
palpating the arteries against underlying bone or muscle.
The number of pulsing sensations occurring during 1
minute is the PULSE RATE per minute.
 • Assessing the patient’s peripheral
pulse sites offers valuable data for
determining the integrity of the
cardiovascular system. An
abnormally slow,rapid, or irregular
Introduction pulse may indicate the cardiovascular
system’s inability to deliver adequate
blood supply.
Materials:
•watch with
second hand
 TABLE 1. PULSE SITES
SITE LOCATION
Temporal Over the temporal bone of the head, above and lateral to the eyebrow
Carotid Along medial side of sternocleidomastoid muscle
Apical Fourth to fifth intercostal space

Instruction: Brachial Groove between biceps ad triceps muscle at the antecubital fossa
Radial Radial or thumb side of forearm at wrist
Ulnar Ulnar side of forearm at wrist
Femoral Below inguinal ligament, midway between symphysis pubis and anterior superior
iliac spine
Popliteal Behind the knee in popliteal fossa
Posterior Tibial Inner side of each ankle,below medial malleolus
Dorsalis Pedis Along top of foot between extensor tendons of great and first toe.

• The pulse can be assessed using any major artery (table 1), but the radial artery is the most commonly
used (figure 1). During cardiovascular collapse, the radial pulse may not be palpable because of a
decreased blood pressure and decreased perfusion of distal arteries. In cases of cardiovascular
collapse, a more central site(e.g. carotid artery) should be use for pulse evaluation because it is the
last pulse present during cardiac arrest.
INSTRUCTION

Using the descriptions of the

different pulse sites, identify
and label in figure 1. The
locations of each pulse sites.
 a. Ask the examinee to assume a comfortable sitting
position. Bend the elbow 90degrees and support the
lower arm on a chair or the examiner’s arm.
b. Place the tips of the first 2 or 3 fingers over the
Palpation of groove along the radial side of the patient’s anterior
wrist ( remember your anatomical position). Do not
pulse use your thumb in palpating a pulse.
c. Lightly compress the artery against the radius,
obliterating the pulse initially. Then ease the pressure
so the pulse becomes easily palpable.
• Remember to use light pressure only, because too
much pressure occludes the pulse, impairs blood
flow.
 d. Determine the strength of the pulse. Note whether the thrust of the vessel
against the fingertips is absent, thread,weak,strong or bounding.

• The strength of pulse reflects the volume of blood ejected against the arterial wall with each heart
contraction. an accurate description of strength is vital for efficient recording of nurses regarding the
patient’s condition especially if the presence or absence of pulse is concern.

Palpation e. After locating the pulse, note the position of the second hand on a wristwatch
and then begin to count the rate. Begin counting with the first beat felt after the

of pulse second hand has moved toward the next number on the dial. For more reliable
results count the rate in one full minute and record on the table 2 below.

f. Compare the radial pulse bilaterally by checking the pulse on the other side of
the forearm. Note the strength and the rate and record on table 2.

g. Palpate the other easily accessible pulse site such as brachial, temporal, carotid
and dorsalis pedis and record on table 3.
Test again the subject after exercise:

• Use the radial pulse to check.

1. Ask the examinee to climb 3 steps of the stairs or jog in a place for 3-5
minutes.
2. Check the radial pulse immediately thereafter in one full minute.
3. Then check again after 10 minutes of recovery.
4. At table 3 record weather the pulse increased or decreased and note the
strength.
Laboratory report:

• Table 2.Palpation of pulse: Pulse Pulse Strength

site: rate of pulse
Radial
Left
wrist
Right
wrist
Table 3. palpation of pulse on other sites of the body

SITE Strength of pulse

Temporal
Carotid
Brachial
Radial
Dorsalis Pedis
Table 4:
Test condition Pulse rate Pulse strength
Reading will be on radial site Right wrist Left Wrist Right Wrist Left Wrist
Resting you may copy the result of
table 2:

After exercise result

After 5-10 minutes or after

recovery:
Answer the following questions:

• 1. Explain the reason why there are changes in the pulse rate and strength
before and after exercise.
• 2. Explain how the heart compensates when there is an activity.
References:
• Perry, A.G., Potter,P.A.,Ostendorf,W.R.[2018]. Clinical Nursing
Skills and techniques.9th ed. St.Louis: Elsevier.)
• Vanputte, C., Regan, J., & Russo, A. (2019). Seeley’s
Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology (10th Ed.) New York
City, McGraw Hill Education