While assessing an adult client's pulse, the nurse notes an irregular rate. The nurse should assess the pulse by counting the beats for:
1. 2 minutes.
2. 1 minute.
3. 30 seconds and multiply by 2.
4. 15 seconds and multiply by 4.
2
Rationale 1: It is not necessary for the nurse to count the pulse for 2 minutes, as heart rate is expressed in beats per minute.
Rationale 2: With any irregular pulse, the rate needs to be counted for 1 full minute.
Rationale 3: If the pulse is regular, the nurse may count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply by 2.
Rationale 4: Counting for 15 seconds and multiplying by 4 may not yield an accurate result, and therefore should not be used in assessing the rate.
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