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Vital Signs

Counts and Records Radial Pulse

Place the pads of your index and middle fingers (never your thumb) over the radial artery on the thumb side of the resident's inner wrist. Count the beats for a full 60 seconds while watching a clock or watch with a second hand.

2-3 minutes•7 steps•2 critical
Index and middle fingers on the thumb side of the wrist. Count for a full minute.

Why this matters

Index and middle fingers on the thumb side of the wrist. Count for a full minute.

Quick tips

  • Use INDEX and MIDDLE fingers — never your thumb (you'll feel your own pulse)
  • Count for a FULL 60 seconds — irregular pulses need the full count
  • Note rate, rhythm, and volume — not just the number

Common mistakes

  • Using the thumb (interferes with accurate counting)
  • Pressing too hard — occludes the artery
  • Counting for only 15 or 30 seconds when the pulse is irregular
  • Reporting a rate that doesn't match what you counted