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The importance of the arterial pulse in advanced cardiac examination

Author: Christopher Nicholson

Duration: 2 hours Last updated: 2019 Quality Assurance: Peer-reviewed Level: Qualified nurses, Students Language: English

Course description

This module provides a comprehensive overview of the techniques involved in manual arterial pulse checking, and the interpretation and presentation of findings. Since nurses check patients' pulses in different settings and have different levels of skill, the scope of this module includes clinicians working at basic and advanced levels of clinical practice.

Don't forget that you do not have to complete our two-hour learning modules all in one go. Tailor your learning to fit into your busy schedule by undertaking one or two sections at a time. You can stop and save your learning at any point and pick up where you left off when you return.


Learning aims and intended outcomes

  • Undertake manual palpation of the radial, brachial and carotid pulses
  • List the characteristics of the pulse
  • Describe normal and abnormal findings when checking the pulse
  • Recognise the importance of the pulse as the basis of cardiac examination

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Technique
  • Site
  • Aspects of the pulse
  • Volume
  • Interpretation of findings
  • Conclusions

Author

CN
Christopher Nicholson
Lead clinician, Cardiac and Respiratory Service, Minerva Centre, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Preston.

Disclaimer

Please note that information provided by RCNi Learning is not sufficient to ensure competence in the skill. Assessment of competence should take place in line with local practice. Practice should always align with local protocols and procedures, latest guidelines and any regulatory code. All modules should currently be viewed together with available national and local Covid-19 guidelines. For advice, go to www.rcn.org.uk/covid-19

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Technique
  • Site
  • Aspects of the pulse
  • Volume
  • Interpretation of findings
  • Conclusions

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