B R Nursing School

Locating radial pulse

For some, this seems to be a little difficult, especially if your testing partner is not in great shape or is overweight.  You should practice on someone like this for your test so that you can get accustomed to exact location of the pulse for best results.

The steps for the CNA state test for counting radial pulse are as follows:

1.  Explain what you are going to do to the patient while speaking clearly, slowly, and face contact.

2. Place your fingertips on the thumb side of the clients wrist.  (See Photo for exact location)

3.  Count beats for one full minute. You must count for one minute or you will automatically fail.

4.  Make sure that your signaling device is in reach of the client before leaving.

5.  Wash Hands. (You do not have to wash hands after every skill, however you must verbalize or you will fail.)

6.  After obtaining the pulse of the client, you must record this on the sheet provided by the testing monitor.  You must be within +/- 4 to pass this skill. Anything over or under the number recorded by the test monitor, you will fail.

IMPORTANT Skill information to pass:  You must be within +/- 4, You must verbalize hand washing, Call Button must be within clients reach.  Never forget these important steps or you will fail or lose many points, which will also cause failure of your CNA skills exam.

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