proefpuls

Proefpuls is a Dutch term meaning “trial pulse” or “test pulse” and is used in medical contexts to refer to a quick, informal assessment of a patient’s pulse. The phrase denotes a practical palpation or feel-for rhythm performed by a clinician during a physical examination to estimate heart rate and detect obvious irregularities. It is primarily described in Dutch-language teaching materials and older clinical texts, where it functions as part of the bedside cardiovascular examination.

In practice, proefpuls involves palpating peripheral pulses, commonly the radial or carotid artery, and sometimes feeling the chest to sense the heartbeat. The clinician typically counts beats over a short interval (for example 15 or 30 seconds) and extrapolates to a per-minute rate. Observations focus on rate, regularity, force, and contour of the pulse, and may indicate tachycardia, bradycardia, or rhythm disturbances. Proefpuls complements other assessment methods such as blood pressure measurement and auscultation of heart sounds.

Importance and limitations: Proefpuls is valued as a rapid, noninvasive skill that supports initial assessment and clinical intuition, especially in teaching settings. However, it is not a substitute for objective monitoring tools like ECG, continuous cardiac monitoring, or pulse oximetry. Factors such as vascular disease, patient agitation, or improper technique can affect accuracy.

Historical use: The term reflects traditional bedside examination practices. In modern clinical workflows, emphasis has shifted toward electronic monitoring, though palpation remains an essential bedside skill taught to students and trainees. See also pulse, heart rate, palpation, cardiovascular examination.