How To Count Apical Pulse. If you are having a hard time finding the pulsation lean the patient over to the left slightly. These pulses will be counted at the same time for one full minute with one. The fifth intercostal space should be located between the fifth and sixth ribs. One person measures the apical pulse while the other person measures a peripheral pulse such as the one in your wrist.
One person measures the apical pulse while the other person measures a peripheral pulse such as the one in your wrist. This will displace the heart closer to the chest wall. Count the ribs as your work your way down. The fifth intercostal space should be located between the fifth and sixth ribs. It represents the opening and closing of the valves in the heart. Position the diaphragm of the stethoscope on the area where the apical pulse is found.
The fifth intercostal space should be located between the fifth and sixth ribs.
The person has to first locate the apical pulse then measure it and then interpret the findings. Position the diaphragm of the stethoscope on the area where the apical pulse is found. The apex of the heart is on the left side of the chest in a healthy individual and the heart points downwards towards the left. The fifth intercostal space should be located between the fifth and sixth ribs. Measuring the apical pulse apical pulse measurements usually take place while a person is either sitting or lying down. The apical pulse is a measure of cardiac function that is completed by placing a stethoscope at the apex of the heart and counting for one minute.