Procedure for measuring radial pulse

• Wash hands

• Explain the procedure to the client

• Position the client’s fore arm comfortably with the wrist extended and the palm down

• Place the tips of your first, second, and third fingers over the client’s radial artery on the inside of the wrist on the thumb side.

• Press gently against the client’s radial artery to the point where pulsation can be felt distinctly

• Using a watch, count the pulse beats for 30 seconds and multiply by two to get the rate per minute

• Count the pulse for full minute if it is abnormal in any way or take an apical pulse

• Record the rate (BPM) on paper or the flow sheet. Report any irregular findings to appropriate person

• Wash your hands