Measuring the Apical Pulse

Written by Amanda R. McDaniel, MS, BSN, RN
Amanda is a BSN/RN with a MS in Physiology and a BA in English. She worked as a medical writer in the pharmaceutical industry for 11 years before pursuing a career in nursing. She now works as a nurse on a NeuroTelemetry unit and continues to write and edit on a freelance basis. Amanda’s LinkedIn

The apical pulse rate is the most accurate non-invasive measurement of heart rate because it is measured directly over the apex of the heart. Apical pulse is preferred in cases when the radial pulse is difficult to palpate, when the pulse is irregular, greater than 100 beats per minute, or less than 60 beats per minute when measured by other means (electronic, radial, etc.).

Measuring the Apical Pulse

  1. Gather your supplies:
    • Gloves
    • Stethoscope
    • Clock or watch with seconds displayed, or a second hand
    • Alcohol swabs
  2. Introduce yourself to the patient, perform hand hygiene, and clean the bell of the stethoscope with an alcohol swab.
  3. Ensure patient privacy by closing the curtain or door.
  4. The patient should be sitting or lying supine. Adjust the bed covers and/or the patient’s clothing so that the sternum and left side of the chest are exposed.
  5. Place the bell of the stethoscope at the fifth intercostal space, at the left midclavicular line. This is the location of the apex of the heart.
    • To find the correct location, first locate the sternal notch at the top of the sternum. Directly beside this is the second intercostal space. Count down three more to reach the fifth intercostal space.
    • The midclavicular line is an imaginary line drawn straight down from the middle of the clavicle (in this case, the left clavicle).
    • Place your stethoscope where the imaginary line and the fifth intercostal space intersect. This is generally just below the breast tissue.
    • It is kind to warm the stethoscope in your hands before placing it on the patient to avoid an unexpected chill.
  6. Listen for the “lub-dub” of normal heart sounds. These are the S1 and S2 heart sounds. You may need to adjust your stethoscope a bit to the right or left, or down to the sixth intercostal space to account for normal anatomical variances or serious heart disease.
  7. Once you regularly hear the pulse, note the second and begin counting the beats (“lub” or “dub”, not both, as they are parts of the same beat), for one full minute.
  8. Observe if the pulse rhythm is regular or irregular, such as occasionally or regularly skipped beats or delays between “lub” and “dub” on some beats.
  9. Replace the patient’s clothing and bed covers.
  10. Perform hand hygiene and clean the bell of your stethoscope with an alcohol swab.
  11. Document the pulse rate and pattern in the patient’s record, and inform the nurse of any rate or rhythm abnormality or significant change from the previous measurement per institutional or unit protocol.

Amanda R. McDaniel, MS, BSN, RN

References

Fetzer, S. J. (2014). Vital signs and physical assessment. In A. G. Perry, P. A. Potter, and W. R. Ostendorf (Eds), Clinical nursing skills & techniques (8th ed., pp. 81-85). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.

More Resources

Moving the Resident from a Bed to a Stretcher or Gurney

Moving a patient from a bed to a stretcher can pose huge safety risks to both the patient and to the health care workers completing the transfer. Always use the appropriate amount of people to complete a transfer, which may vary according to the patient’s weight and/or the facility’s policy. In some cases, a mechanical lift may be needed.

Transferring the Resident from a Bed with a Mechanical Lift

A mechanical lift is used to transfer residents who cannot support their own weight. When used properly, mechanical lifts prevent injuries for both residents and health care workers. It is important that a nurse’s assistant be trained to use the mechanical lift before attempting to operate it. Most facilities require at least two health care workers to assist when using a mechanical lift.

Axillary Temperature with Electronic Thermometer

Compared to other temperature measurement methods, the axillary measurement is considered the least reliable. An axillary temperature measurement typically reads 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than an oral temperature reading [1]. For this reason, it is recommended to use this method only when other methods are contraindicated or when taking an axillary temperature is the safest method for the patient.

Feeding the Patient

Not all patients will need help feeding themselves. Some patients will only need assistance opening cartons or cutting their food. To promote independence, always let the patient do as much as he or she can before assisting. It is vitally important that the nurse’s aide verifies that the patient receives the correct meal tray. Patients may have special diets that play a critical role in their health (i.e., pureed diet, gluten-free diet, food allergies, etc.). Feeding the wrong food to the wrong patient could result in serious complications.

Nail Care (Fingers and Toes) for CNAs

Nail care of both the feet and the hands should be performed as part of the patient’s daily hygiene routine. The status of the patient’s nails can reflect their overall health. Nail issues can also lead to infection that can spread systemically (ex, ingrown nails or fungus). You should never clip a patient’s nails with nail clippers, and always review your institution’s policy about what nail care is allowed.

Prone Position

Prone position is not used as commonly as other patient positions. This position allows for full extension of the hips and the knees and gives many bony prominences a break from continuous pressure. However, placing patients in prone position does not come without the risks of pressure ulcers.