How Patient Caretaker can monitor Pulse rate in Elders?

Role of patient caretaker in monitoring pulse is an important aspect.The Pulse rate is a measurement of the heart rate. As the heart pushes blood through the arteries, the arteries expand and contract with the flow of the blood. Taking a patient pulse not only measures the heart rate but also indicate the following:

• Heart rhythm
• Strength of the pulse
The normal pulse for healthy seniors ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. The pulse rate of elder patients may fluctuate and increase with the exercise, illness, injury and emotions.

How to check your pulse.

As the heart forces blood through the arteries you feel the beats by firmly pressing on the arteries, which are located close to the surface of the skin at certain points of the body.

The pulse can found

• on the side of the neck.
• on the inside of the elbow.
• at the wrist of the patient.

If Patient caregiver uses the lower neck be sure not to press hard and never press artery on both sides of the lower neck at the same time to prevent blocking blood flow to the brain.

Patient caretaker tips for monitoring.

Gently press the arteries with firm grip until pulse is found.
Medical attendant can also count number of beats till 15 seconds then multiply by 4.
Use first two fingers to check pulse rate at the wrist joint.
In case of neck use index and third finger.

Weeheal is providing patient care and elderly services at home in Mohali and Chandigarh. To know more. Kindly contact us at 9056667111.