Correct way to take a carotid pulse

[BonnieSc]

BLS and ACLS instructors have corrected my pulse-taking, saying it MUST be done with the left hand and on the same side of the patient that I'm on. I always reach instinctively with my right hand (it's more deft and sensitive) and to the opposite side of the patient (which I find is less awkward to reach and to find the right spot). I've never gotten a satisfactory answer about why this is important. It seems like an odd bit of minutia to hang onto in these days of simplification. And it isn't specified in the ACLS manual (surely it would be, if it was important?). Any thoughts?

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

As with most "Standards", it tries to cover the majority, most of the time. Most right handed practioners will position themselves on the pt's left side, if given a choice. In this position, the right hand can be locating the xiphoid, while the left gets a pulse/absence thereof. Part of it is rationale, part of it is statistics.

I'm a right-handed pulse-taker but a left-handed nose-pincher...I park on the right side of the patient WHEN there is an option. Most of the time, the decision was made by which side was closer to the door. :)

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

This is how I check for carotid pulses.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

This is how I check for carotid pulses.

Check, then pronounce in one fell swoop

[Rob72, ASN, RN]

This is how I check for carotid pulses.

We'll clear that airway! Trach massage from the mainstem up...!

[BluegrassRN]

I logged in to say that I typically take a carotid pulse with both hands clamped tightly about the neck.

But dang it, ScottE. You steal the LoLs.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

I agree with Biff; you keep whatever hand you used to compress the chest with in the ready position, then reach up with the other hand to check the pulse.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

Great demo, Scott. I see the victim also has the proper head/mouth position for bagging.

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Thank you, thank you. I'm here Monday thru Friday from 11AM to 7 PM and please remember to tip your waiters and waitresses.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Rob72, thanks for the information. I was thinking, "there's NEVER going to be a rationale good enough" but darnnit, you came up with one.

Can you post some links on your resources about training ans responses to stress? I work in the ER, and it could bring some real insight to behavior, and things we might change.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

So many silly people, too little time. Just get the job done.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Thank you, thank you. I'm here Monday thru Friday from 11AM to 7 PM and please remember to tip your waiters and waitresses.

Uuuummmmm.....You got that from diva rn !!!!

I'm telling

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Uuuummmmm.....You got that from diva rn !!!!

I'm telling

Ha perhaps, but that saying was around looooonng before diva rn posted it here!