Learning outcome 3: Accurately measure a person’s pulse rate

With all individuals, the person’s psychological state needs to be considered, and

cooperation sought, prior to measuring the pulse. This involves explaining why the

pulse needs to be measured.

When measuring the pulse rate, nurses often count the pulse for 30 seconds and

multiply by two. With a regular pulse this gives a reasonably accurate measurement,

but an irregular pulse should always be counted for a full minute – and the word

‘irregular’ should be written by the recorded rate.