Part of Lesson Plan: Vital Signs

Activity Overview / Details

1. The apical pulse is taken using a stethoscope. ( Explain to students how to clean a stethoscope before use and how to use it to hear sounds produced by the body.)
2. The apical pulse is on the left side of the chest below the nipple. (Display transparency - location of heart in chest cavity)
3. The heart beat normally sounds as a lub-dub.
4. Each lub-dub is counted as one beat.
5. Count the apical pulse for one minute.

Demonstrate the procedure for taking an apical pulse. Have each student practice taking an apical pulse on their partner. Have students plot their results on a graph and compare it to their partner's radial pulse reading.

Ask students to discuss the experience.

Homework:

Students are to take the pulse rate of three individuals. Subjects should be in different age groups. For example: toddler, adolescent and elderly