Figure 5-8. Locating brachial pulse. A Side view. B Top view
(2) If the thigh is being used, use the popliteal pulse just above the crease
on the inside of the knee.
(3) If you are using a combination stethoscope (both disk and bell) and you
cannot hear anything, find the lever near the diaphragm and flip it. This will change the
source of sound input from the bell to the disk.
m. Tighten Screw. Make sure that the valve is completely closed so that the air
cannot escape.
n. Inflate the Bladder. Inflate the bladder (figure 5-9) by squeezing and
releasing the handbulb. Listen to the patient's pulse and watch the gauge as you pump
up the bladder. When you can no longer hear the pulse beat, note the reading on the
gauge. Then pump the handbulb again until it reads 10 mm Hg higher than it did when
the pulse disappeared or until the pressure of 140 mm Hg is reached, whichever is
greater.
Figure 5-9. Inflating the bladder.
MD0531
5-13