How to Take Pulse & Respiration
The act of taking a person's pulse and respiration can be a challenging process. There are many people who have to measure their pulse and respiration on a regular basis. A person can measure their own pulse accurately, but measuring their respiration rate is something that has to be done by someone else. The average human respiration rate is 25 breaths per minute while at rest, but this number, along with the pulse rate, will climb with a small amount of exercise. The two, pulse and respiration, work in conjunction with each other to help bring oxygen to the cells of the body.
Instructions
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1
Locate the artery on the person's wrist. This artery is located on the underside of the wrist, on the same side as the thumb. Alternate locations for this procedure are on the side of the neck, next to the Adam's apple, and inside the elbow.
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2
Gently press on the artery with the index finger and second finger until the pulse can be felt. Pressing too hard can cut off the pulse on the artery or lead to the person measuring the pulse to measure himself.
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3
Begin counting the pulse when the second hand of the watch reaches the 12 position.
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4
Count the pulse for 30 seconds.
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5
Begin counting the rise and fall of the chest when the second hand on the watch reaches the 12 position again.
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6
Count the respiration for 30 seconds.
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7
Multiply both numbers by 2. This will give the pulse and respiration for a one minute increment.
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Tips & Warnings
Both items can be measured for 15 seconds and multiplied by 4 for a one minute time frame.
Do not let the person being measured know that their respiration is being measured, as this will cause them to change their breathing pattern, and a false reading will be achieved.
