Indiana Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

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What is the correct way to take a radial pulse?

Press lightly on the radial artery

The correct method for taking a radial pulse involves pressing lightly on the radial artery, which is located on the wrist, near the base of the thumb. This technique is essential as applying too much pressure can occlude the artery and result in an inaccurate reading. By gently pressing, you can feel the pulse more clearly and obtain a reliable measurement.

Using the thumb to check the pulse can be misleading, as the thumb itself has its own pulse which might confuse getting an accurate measurement. Counting the pulse for 30 seconds is not preferable, as the standard practice is to count for a full minute to ensure an accurate heart rate, particularly in clinical settings where precise readings are crucial. Taking the pulse from the neck, or carotid pulse, is not relevant when specifically requested to measure the radial pulse, which emphasizes the importance of consistently identifying the correct anatomical site for assessment.

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Use the thumb to check pulse

Count the pulse for 30 seconds

Take pulse from the neck

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