Question

What steps do you take to obtain the apical pulse once you have found the correct location?

Answer 1

To obtain the apical pulse, follow these steps: 1) Position the patient correctly, 2) Locate the apical pulse site, 3) Prepare the stethoscope, 4) Apply the stethoscope, and 5) Listen for the heartbeat.

Step-by-step explanation:

To obtain the apical pulse, follow these steps:

1. Position the patient correctly: Have the patient sitting or lying down, with their chest exposed.
2. Locate the apical pulse site: The apical pulse is located on the left side of the chest, in the fifth intercostal space, just below the nipple line. This area is known as the mitral area or the apex of the heart.
3. Prepare the stethoscope: Place the earpieces in your ears and make sure they fit comfortably. Then, remove any clothing or jewelry that may interfere with the stethoscope placement or sound transmission.
4. Apply the stethoscope: Gently place the diaphragm of the stethoscope on the area where you located the apical pulse, ensuring a proper seal.
5. Listen for the heartbeat: Listen for the lub-dub sounds, which represent the opening and closing of the heart valves. Count the number of beats you hear for one full minute to obtain the heart rate.