When assessing a patient's pulse, the nurse should also notice ...

[sammy]

When assessing a patient's pulse, the nurse should also notice which of these characteristics?
 
  a. Force
  b. Pallor
  c. Capillary refill time
  d. Timing in the cardiac cycle

Question 2

Which technique is correct when the nurse is assessing the radial pulse of a patient? The pulse is counted for:
 
  a. 1 minute, if the rhythm is irregular.
  b. 15 seconds and then multiplied by 4, if the rhythm is regular.
  c. 2 full minutes to detect any variation in amplitude.
  d. 10 seconds and then multiplied by 6, if the patient has no history of cardiac abnormalities.

[Chelseyj.hasty]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The pulse is assessed for rate, rhythm, and force.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Recent research suggests that the 30-second interval multiplied by 2 is the most accurate and efficient technique when heart rates are normal or rapid and when rhythms are regular. If the rhythm is irregular, then the pulse is counted for 1 full minute.