Final answer:
To properly perform a pulse check during the BLS Assessment, you should take no more than 10 seconds. The time per beat for a heart rate of 150 beats per minute is 0.4 seconds. A 10-second pulse check multiplied by 6 will provide an estimate of the beats per minute.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate length of time to perform a pulse check during the Basic Life Support (BLS) Assessment is typically no more than 10 seconds. According to American Heart Association guidelines, checking the pulse should be quick and efficient to determine if CPR is needed without significant delay.
When performing a pulse check, you are feeling for the rhythmic beating of the heart as it pumps blood through the arteries. If a person's heart rate is 150 beats per minute during strenuous exercise, the time per beat in units of seconds is 0.4 seconds per beat (60 seconds divided by 150 beats). To measure your pulse, you can check for 10 seconds and then multiply by 6 to estimate your beats per minute, confirming there should be a factor of 6 difference between a 10-second check and a 60-second check.