CENTRAL LUZON DOCTORS’ HOSPITAL - EDUCATIONAL

INSTITUTION, INC
Romulo Highway, San Pablo, Tarlac City
Tel No. (045) 982-5019/982-5052/982-0264 Fax No. (045) 982-0780/982-2757

NURSING DEPARTMENT

CHECKLIST ON NURSING PROCEDURES (NCM _______)

___________Semester, A.Y. _____________

VITAL SIGNS
ASSESSING THE APICAL PULSE- RADIAL PULSE

Name of Student: Date:

RATING SCALE:
1 - NO
2 - YES
3 - MASTERED

GRADING SYSTEM: Raw Score / Total Score x 50 + 50

Performed
Preparation NO YES Mastered Comments
1. Assess:
● Clinical signs of hypovolemic shock
2. Assemble equipment and supplies:
● Watch with a second hand or indicator
● Stethoscope
● Antiseptic wipes
Procedure
1. Explain to the client what you are going to do,
why it is necessary, and how he can cooperate.
2. Wash hands and observe other appropriate
infection control procedures.
3. Provide for client privacy.
4. Position the client appropriately
5. Locate the apical and radial pulse sites.
● In the two-nurse technique, one nurse
locates the apical impulse by palpation or
with the stethoscope while the other nurse
palpates the radial pulse site.
Two - Nurse Technique
● Place the watch where both nurses
 can see it. The nurse who is taking
the radial pulse may hold the watch.
● Decide on a time to begin counting.
The nurse taking the radial pulse says
"Start" at that time.
● Each nurse counts the pulse rate for
60 seconds. Both nurses end the
count when the nurse taking the radial
pulse says "Stop."
● The nurse who assesses the apical
rate also assesses the apical pulse
rhythm and volume.
● The nurse assessing the radial
pulse rate also assesses the radial
pulse rhythm and volume.
One-Nurse Technique
● Assess the apical pulse for 60
seconds.
● Assess the radial pulse for 60
seconds
7. Document the apical and radial
(AR) pulse rates, rhythm, volume,
and any pulse deficit in the client
record. Also record related data.

RAW SCORE -
-
TOTAL SCORE

FINAL GRADE -