Apical pulse: place your middle or next finger in the third intercostal space and continue palpating until the fifth intercostal space.
Radial pulse: use the index and middle fingers without using the thumb.
Count the radial pulse using a watch in the second hand for one minute.
Apical pulse: Insert the earpieces in your ears with the tips bent forward.
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 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.
To match the anatomical position of external ear canal.