How to take an apical pulse rate

Taking an apical pulse rate

Nursing procedure: taking vital sign (taking an apical pulse)

Equipment

• Watch with second hand
• Stethoscope
• Alcohol swab
• Gloves

 

HOW TO TAKE A RADIAL (WRIST) PULSE RATE

TAKING A RADIAL (WRIST) PULSE RATE

Nursing procedure: taking a radial pulse rate

EQUIPMENT

• Watch with a second hand
• Gloves

NURSING ACTION

HOW TO TAKE A RADIAL (WRIST) PULSE RATE

• Wash hands/hand hygiene. Rationale: Reduces transmission of microorganisms.

• Inform client of the site(s) where pulse will be measured. Rationale: Encourages participation and allays anxiety.

TAKING BODY TEMPERATURE USING DISPOSABLE CHEMICAL STRIP THERMOMETER

HOW TO TAKE BODY TEMPERATURE USING DISPOSABLE CHEMICAL STRIP THERMOMETER

Nursing procedure: taking body temperature with chemical strip thermometer

EQUIPMENT

• Thermometer: Disposable, single-use chemical strip thermometer
• Two pairs of nonsterile gloves
• Tissues

NURSING ACTION:

MEASURING DISPOSABLE (CHEMICAL STRIP) THERMOMETER

• Review medical record for baseline data factors that influence vital signs. Rationale: Establishes parameters for client’s normal measurements, provides direction in device selection, and helps determine site to use for measurement. Vital signs are measured in the order of temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR) and blood pressure (BP), usually without interruptions, to provide the nurse with an objective clinical database to direct decision making.

TAKING AXILLARY TEMPERATURE

HOW TO TAKE AXILLARY TEMPERATURE

Nursing procedure: taking body temperature (axillary temperature)

EQUIPMENT

• Thermometer
• Two pairs of nonsterile gloves
• Tissues

NURSING ACTION:

TAKING AXILLARY TEMPERATURE

• Review medical record for baseline data factors that influence vital signs. Rationale: Establishes parameters for client’s normal measurements, provides direction in device selection, and helps determine site to use for measurement. Vital signs are measured in the order of temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR) and blood pressure (BP), usually without interruptions, to provide the nurse with an objective clinical database to direct decision making.