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