Your patient in atrial fibrillation has a heart rate of 108 on the monitor, but her radial pulse is 88. The patient is experiencing:
A) paradoxical pulse.
B) pulsus obliterans.
C) pulse deficit.
D) pulsus alternans.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A pulse deficit occurs when there is a difference between the heart rate (as seen on the monitor) and the peripheral pulse rate (felt at the radial or other pulse points). This can occur in atrial fibrillation when not all of the electrical impulses from the atria are transmitted to the ventricles, resulting in missed heartbeats and a pulse deficit.

Your Patient in Atrial Fibrillation Has a Heart Rate of 108