Page 41 - Clinical Pearls in Cardiology

Arterial Pulse and Blood Pressure 29

of ventricular systole due to a transient fall in aortic
pressure.
2. What is the three-finger method of palpating the radial
pulse?
The palpation of the radial pulse using the index, middle
and ring fingers is ideal to assess the rate and rhythm of
the pulse wave. The correct method of examination of
the radial pulse using these three fingers is as follows
(Figs 2 and 3):
• The examiner should stand on the right side of the
patient and hold the right hand of the patient in a
semipronated and slightly flexed position.
• The examiner should then assess the rate and rhythm
of the radial pulse of the patient by counting the pulse
for 1 minute, using the middle three fingers of his
right hand.

Fig. 2: Three-finger method of palpation of radial arterial pulse