The nurse palpates a radial pulse on her 80-year-old patient and ...

[penguins]

The nurse palpates a radial pulse on her 80-year-old patient and notes that it feels irregular. What is the most appropriate method to count this patient's pulse?
 
  a. Count for 15 seconds, multiply by 4.
  b. Count for 30 seconds, multiply by 2.
  c. Count for 1 full minute.
  d. Count for 10 seconds multiply by 6.

Question 2

The nurse documents a patient's radial pulse rate as 120 beats/min and regular. One hour later, the nurse rechecks the pulse and it is irregular at 120 beats/min. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
 
  a. Ask another nurse to check the pulse.
  b. Place the patient on bedrest and administer fluids.
  c. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor.
  d. Check the pulse in the opposite arm.

[maaaaaaaaaa]

Answer to Question 1

C
The intervals between heartbeats establish a pulse pattern known as the rhythm. Normally, the heat beats at regular intervals, much like a metronome. When the intervals between beats are enough to be noticeable, the rhythm is abnormal. When assessing an irregular pulse, it is important to determine whether the beat is regularly irregular or irregularly irregular. To make this distinction, the nurse must count the rate for 1 full minute.

Answer to Question 2

C
The pulse is the rhythmic expansion of an artery produced when a bolus of oxygenated blood is forced into it by the contraction of the heart. When the heart rate is of concern, the nurse will most likely place a patient on a cardiac monitor to determine not only the rate but also the rhythm and intensity of the pulse.

[penguins]

Excellent

[vickybb89]

Great answer, keep it coming