Feeling the radial pulse?

[nasaodds]

I am retaking my skills Teusday. The only part I messed up was the vitals. I know I have said on other threads that it was nerves and not enough practice. I have gotten BP down but when I count the pulse (For 1 min. testing rule) I seem to loose the pulse. I can find it no problem but then feel as if I have missed a pulse and it really messes me up. Any suggestions besides practice. Besides my husband and kids are getting a little tired of handing me their left arm.

Thanks and wish me luck!

Erin

[elkpark]

A couple thoughts spring to mind --

a) Be sure you're not pressing so hard that you're occluding the artery -- I've had students who were nervous about finding radial pulses do that, and then you really can't feel the pulse. You don't need to press very hard at all; only a little more pressure than just resting your fingers on the skin. Beyond that point, pressing harder isn't going to help.

b) Try closing your eyes (initially, to locate the pulse). The less sensory input you have coming in to your brain, the easier it is for your brain to focus on what your fingertips are feeling. If you can also stop your ears (like, leaving your stethoscope "in"), that will help, too, but you might not want to go that far. Close your eyes and concentrate on your fingertips, and, then, once you're sure you've "got" the pulse, you can open your eyes to watch your watch and count.

Good luck! :balloons:

[nasaodds]

Thanks, I have noticed that about the pressure. I also could use the luck!!!!!!!!!