When assessing the force, or strength, of a pulse, the nurse ...

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When assessing the force, or strength, of a pulse, the nurse recalls that the pulse:
 
  a. Is usually recorded on a 0- to 2-point scale.
  b. Demonstrates elasticity of the vessel wall.
  c. Is a reflection of the heart's stroke volume.
  d. Reflects the blood volume in the arteries during diastole.

Question 2

When assessing the pulse of a 6-year-old boy, the nurse notices that his heart rate varies with his respiratory cycle, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration. The nurse's next action would be to:
 
  a. Immediately notify the physician.
  b. Consider this finding normal in children and young adults.
  c. Check the child's blood pressure, and note any variation with respiration.
  d. Document that this child has bradycardia, and continue with the assessment.

[emilymalinowski12]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The heart pumps an amount of blood (the stroke volume) into the aorta. The force flares the arterial walls and generates a pressure wave, which is felt in the periphery as the pulse.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Sinus arrhythmia is commonly found in children and young adults. During the respiratory cycle, the heart rate varies, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration.

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TYSM

[nanny]

Gracias!