Pulses Assessment

[Sara_rn10]

Hello, I am new a new med/surg/Tele nurse. I have been a nurse for 12 years but have always worked in long term care. Many times I have heard nurses describe pulse as "two over 1" and I am unsure as to what that means exactly. I know how to assess pulses, pedal, posterior tibial, popliteal, etc and I understand 0- absent, 1-diminished, 2- normal, 3-bounding ect. Can someone clarify for me?

Thanks,

Sara

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I think this may refer to normal radial pulses (2+) and thready pedal pulses (1+).

[Sara_rn10]

Thank you! I finally asked a nurse at work and he said he thought that is what it meant too. He wasn't 100% sure though. I'm glad you confirmed.

[dah doh, BSN, RN]

If you don't know what someone is talking about when they give you report, PLEASE ASK! Most nurses know you are new and will most likely explain it to you (some will do so kindly because they know you are new, some with attitude, and a few will rip into you...just ignore them!) It's better to have that knowledge and take a bit of flack than to wonder about it!

I had that experience back when I was new. I got report from one of those old time stern looking nurses...all business, no kindness. She finished report, then I asked her...mmm...how do I care for this patient? I know it sounded stupid, but the patient was a One Legacy (organ donor) and I never covered that in orientation. Luckily for me, it was her favorite topic! She smiled and then took me in the room and showed me everything and went over the charting too! I think she appreciated that I didn't pretend to know! We had a different relationship afterwards too!

I can't promise your situations will turn out as nice as that one, but one can hope. I know that situation made me NOT judge a nurse by her outward appearance. Now as the old time nurse, I am also more willing to share my knowledge if you just ask!