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Apical Pulse

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92 views6 pages

Apical Pulse

Uploaded by

api-253508905
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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APICAL PULSE

The Basics
WHAT IS IT?
Heartbeat heard at the apex of the heart
Reasons for taking AP
Because the doctor said so
Cardiac patient: irregular heart beats
All infants: rapid and difficult to count





Heart sounds are caused by closing of heart valves as blood flows through.
- 1 beat = 1 lubbdubb

LOCATING THE AP
Stethoscope 2-3 inches to the left of the sternum, below the left nipple
Listen for a full minute
PULSE DEFICIT
Occurs if
Heart is weak and doesnt pump enough blood to produce a pulse
Tachycardia: not enough time to fill up the heart for every beat
HOW TO MEASURE IT?
Measure apical pulse and radial pulse at the same time
Takes 2 people
Full minute
Subtract the radial pulse from the apical pulse

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