A nurse notices that a patient has an irregular pulse. To best assess an irregularity in pulses the nurse should:
A. determine the rate of the pulse.
B. take the apical pulse for one full minute.
C. auscultate for the strength of the apical pulse.
D. ask if the patient feels a palpation or abnormality of the pulses.
B
An irregular heart rate is more accurate when measured for one full minute at the apical site. The apical site produces S1 and S2; the strength of a pulse is felt at peripheral sites. Oftentimes a patient is unaware his or her pulse is abnormal. Always consult the history and physical for the patient history or risk for irregular pulse.
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