You are working on a telemetry unit. Your client was admitted with a cardiac event and is now on a cardiac monitor. You know a cardiac monitor reveals the heart's electrical but not its mechanical activity. How would you assess the mechanical activity of the client's heart?
A) Take the blood pressure in both arms.
B) Palpate a peripheral pulse.
C) Auscultate the carotid artery.
D) Percuss the perimeter of the heart.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Palpating a peripheral pulse is the best choice to assess the mechanical activity of the heart. While a cardiac monitor shows the electrical activity of the heart, palpating a pulse assesses the mechanical activity and can provide information about the strength and rhythm of the heartbeat. It is a quick, noninvasive way to monitor the client's cardiac function. The other options (taking blood pressure, auscultating the carotid artery, and percussing the perimeter of the heart) may provide some additional information, but they are not as direct or reliable in assessing the mechanical activity of the heart.

You Are Working on a Telemetry Unit