Stupid question of the night (:

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Specializes in Cardiac/Respiratory/PCU.

I am almost done with my nursing school adventure...and I cannot believe I have NEVER thought to ask this question.

What does it mean for a pulse to be "easily blocked with light pressure"

My assumption this whole time has been it means if I were to say place two fingers over the, we'll say, radial pulse and apply light pressure, the pulse would be so weak and thready I would no longer feel the pulsations...aka blocking it? lol

I have no clue why I have never asked this!

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Specializes in Intensive Care Unit.

Never really heard of it described like that but yes that's what it sounds like...you apply even a small amount of palpating and occlude the pulse. I've seen it with dopplering pedal pulses but haven't ever really described it like that lol

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Specializes in Cardiac/Respiratory/PCU.

I blame my beautifully vague book lol

:cautious:

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Specializes in ED.

Yep, if you put a small amount of pressure, and the pulse is occluded, it is easily blocked with light pressure.

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

Some pts with peripheral vascular disease have close to nothing with pulses. All you can do is lightly touch with your fingers. If you apply even the smallest amount of pressure, you won't feel anything and you'll end up getting a dopler. I tend to find this on contracted elderly or renal pts.

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