SOLDIER'S MANUAL AND TRAINER'S GUIDE - Fort Drum

STP 8-91W15-SM-TG
MEASURE A PATIENT'S PULSE
081-831-0011
Conditions: Necessary materials and equipment: a watch, stethoscope, and appropriate
forms.
Standards: Counted a patient's pulse for 1 full minute. Identified any abnormalities in the pulse
rate, rhythm, and strength.
Performance Steps
1. Position the patient so that the pulse site is accessible.
2. Palpate the pulse site.
a. Place the tips of your index and middle fingers on the pulse site.
NOTE: You must use a stethoscope to monitor the apical site.
b. Press the fingers, using moderate pressure, to feel the pulse.
3. Count for 1 full minute and evaluate the pulse.
NOTE: To detect irregularities, you must count for 1 full minute.
a. Pulse rate.
(1) Normal adult rate--60 to 100 beats per minute.
(2) Infants and Children
(a) Adolescent 11-14 years--60 to 105
(b) School age 6-10 years-- 70 to 110
(c) Preschooler 3-5 years-- 80 to 120
(d) Toddler 1-3 years-- 80 to 130
(e) Infant 6-12 months--80 to 140
(f) Infant 0-5 months-- 90 to 140
(g) Newborn--120 to 160
(3) Bradycardia--less than 50 beats per minute.
WARNING: Patient presenting with bradycardia, medic must consider physical condition of
patient. For example, the patient is and athlete an their normal at-rest pulse rate is between 40
to 50 beats per minute.
(4) Tachycardia--more than 100 beats per minute.
b. Pulse rhythm.
(1) Regular.
(a) Usually easy to find.
(b) Has a regular rate and rhythm.
(c) Varies with the individual.
(2) Irregular/intermittent--any change from a regular beating pattern.
NOTE: If a peripheral pulse is irregular or intermittent, you should take a second pulse at the
carotid, femoral, or apical site. (See Figure 3-1.)
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