When taking an apical-radial pulse, how long are the pulses counted?

When measuring the apical-radial pulse, it is essential to count the pulses for a full minute, or 60 seconds. This method involves simultaneously listening to the heartbeat at the apex of the heart and feeling the pulse at the radial artery to accurately assess the heart's function and detect any discrepancies between the two. By counting for a full minute, you ensure that you capture any irregularities or variations in the pulse that may occur throughout the cardiac cycle, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's cardiovascular status. Shorter counting intervals, such as 30 or 45 seconds, could lead to inaccuracies or missed beats, while extending the time to 90 seconds is typically unnecessary and may complicate the assessment without adding significant value.