Part of Lesson Plan: Vital Signs

Activity Overview / Details

Pulse rate varies for each age group.

Display handout on normal ranges for pulse.

Discuss ranges for age.                   

Ask students the following questions:

1. What factors cause the pulse rate to increase? (fever, younger age, disease processes, medication)
2. What factors cause the pulse rate to decrease? (health status, disease processes, medication)

Give students several minutes to write down as many factors as they can think of.  Discuss. 

The adult pulse rate is between 60-100 beats per minute

tachycardia - rapid heart rate, over 100 beats per minute

bradycardia - slow heart rate, less than 60 beats per minute

Rhythm and force of the pulse

rhythm - time interval between each beat. Rhythm should be regular.

                 irregular pulse - beats are not evenly spaced or when beats are skipped

force - relates to pulse strength