Cardiac Pulses Assessment: Upper Body and Lower Extremity

Video Runtime: 6 Minutes

A pulse assessment is commonly conducted to understand the patient’s current status as it deviates from baseline or normal functioning. In this training, we’ll review the equipment and procedures assess cardic pulses for the upper and lower extremity. This course includes

- Video demonstrations of procedures
- Downloadable procedure guide PDFs
- Tips and best practices for performing these procedures in the home

The results of this assessment are then used to develop a comprehensive clinical picture with the primary care provider, to develop a proper plan of care, and to implement interventions. Throughout the assessment, nursing staff, physical therapists, and physician assistants must consider the patient’s age and genetics, past medical history, surgical interventions, peripheral trauma and scarring, and presence of severe edema.

In this training, we will review the equipment and procedures for identifying and assessing peripheral pulses through palpation.

This course was reviewed by Danielle Pierotti, RN, PhD, CENP, to ensure the content meets current professional guidelines and best evidence-based practices.