INSTRUCTIONS. The following exercises are to be answered by matching the numbered stem with lettered response that best matches the stem, by writing the answer in the space provided, or performing the stated actions.
The correct answers are provided at the bottom of the page.
1. When the heart beats (pumps blood), a pressure wave is created which travels throughout the arteries. This wave is called the ____________.
2. The patient’s pulse rate is the number of times that a pulse can the felt during a(n) ______________ period.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXERCISES 3 THRU 10. Match the term in Column I with the appropriate description in Column II by writing the letter of the description in the blank preceding the term.
| Column I–Terms_____ 3. Bounding pulse_____ 4. Intermittent pulse
_____ 5. Normal pulse _____ 6. Thready pulse _____ 7. Irregular pulse _____ 8. Bradycardia _____ 9. Strong pulse _____10. Tachycardia |
Column II–Descriptionsa. 60-100 beats per minute, normal strength, steady rhythm.b. Over 100 beats per minute.
c. More forceful than normal. d. Not a steady rhythm. e. Skipping a beat every few beats. f. A weak pulse, may be difficult to find at first. g. Less than 50 beats per minute. h. A very strong, forceful pulse. |
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXERCISES 11 THRU 14. Match the pulse sites in Column I with the appropriate body parts in Column II.
| Column I_____11. Carotid_____12. Dorsalis pedis
_____13. Radial _____14. Apical |
Column IIa. Chest (over heart)b. Throat
c. Wrist d. Top of foot |
15. Find the temporal, carotid, apical, brachial, radial, ulnar, femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, and dorsalis pedis pulse sites on your own body. Make sure that you can feel the pulse.
16. Ask a friend to assist you. Determine the person’s pulse rate using the radial pulse site, the carotid pulse site, and the dorsalis pedis pulse site. Record each pulse rate.
Lesson 3: Self-Test Answers
1. Pulse (para 3-1b)
2. 1 minute (or 60 seconds) (para 3-2)
3. h (para 3-3b(1))
4. e (para 3-3c(2))
5. a (para 3-3a,b,c)
6. f (para 3-3b(2))
7. d (para 3-3c(1))
8. g (para 3-3a(1))
9. c (para 3-3b(3))
10. b (para 3-3a(2))
11. b (para 3-4b)
12. d (para 3-4i)
13. c (para 3-4a)
14. a (para 3-4j)
15. Refer to figure 3-2 for locations (para 3-4)
16. Did you do the following each time?
a. Position the person so that he was comfortable and you could reach the pulse site easily.
b. Locate the pulse using two or three fingertips (no thumb).
c. Take the pulse for a full 60 seconds (again using two or three fingertips and no thumb).
d. Note any irregularities in the person’s pulse rhythm.
e. Record the pulse rate as an even number. The pulse rates may vary slightly (para 3-5).