APICAL PULSE 🫀🩺 What is it? → An apical pulse is when we listen to the pulse of the patient with a stethoscope at the apex of the heart. →It’s best to listen for 60 seconds to obtain the most accurate assessment Where do we auscultate? → 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line on the left side Why & When do we check an apical pulse? → It’s always a good idea to check, even if your patient has no underlying cardiac issues! → Most commonly, though, we check if there is a weak or irregular radi

Vital signs explained 💔Pulse💔 -Apical Pulse is MOST accurate and best for assessment -Always check an apical pulse for 1 minute if irregular or if administering digoxin -Never check a radial or carotid pulse with your THUMB! (Your own thumb has a pulse!) 🫀 Blood Pressure 🫀 -Manual blood pressures are more accurate than automatic/electronic! If you get an alarming reading on the electronic cuff, take a manual! -Be sure to size the cuff correctly. A small cuff will produce a false high, while