What is the proper technique for taking a patient's pulse?

The proper technique for taking a patient's pulse involves using your index and middle fingers to gently press on the wrist, specifically over the radial artery. Counting for 30 seconds and then multiplying that number by two provides an accurate measurement of the heart rate per minute. This method is effective for obtaining a pulse at a location that is easily accessible and is generally considered a standard procedure in clinical settings.

This approach ensures that the pulse is monitored over a sufficient duration to accurately capture any variability in heartbeats. Counting for a shorter duration, such as 15 seconds, could lead to errors in estimating the pulse rate, especially if the pulse is irregular. The multiplication factor used here reflects the desire for a full minute's rate, which is the standard clinical practice for assessing heart rates.