Skill 2
Apical-Radial Pulse
The difference between pulses assessed from two different sites is known as a pulse deficit. When a pulse deficit is assessed between the apical and radial pulses, the volume of blood ejected from the heart may be inadequate to meet the circulatory needs of the tissues, and intervention may be required. To assess for a pulse deficit, the nurse and a second health care provider assess the radial pulse rate and the apical pulse rate simultaneously and compare the measurements.
Delegation Considerations
The skill of assessing an apical-radial pulse deficit cannot be delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP). Collaboration between the nurse and a second health care provider is required to determine an apical-radial pulse deficit.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
