Relier Pairs Rationale of Radial and Apical stepsVersion en ligne To help the students to know the reason behind the procedure's steps par Nursing Empowerment Program 1 Apical pulse: place your middle or next finger in the third intercostal space and continue palpating until the fifth intercostal space. 2 Count the radial pulse using a watch in the second hand for one minute. 3 Apical pulse: Insert the earpieces in your ears with the tips bent forward. 4 Radial pulse: use the index and middle fingers without using the thumb. 5 Apical pulse: Warm the diaphragm of the stethoscope first by holding it against the palm of your hands for 5-10 seconds. To locate the apical site To detect any abnormalities in the pulse rate and rhythm. To match the anatomical position of external ear canal. To prevent frighten of the patient which may affect the pulse rate Using the thumb is contraindicated because the thumb has a pulse that could be mistaken for the patient's pulse.