A student takes an adult patient's pulse and counts 20 beats/min. Knowing this is not the normal range for an adult pulse, what should the student do next?
A) Record the pulse rate on the appropriate vital signs sheet in the chart.
B) Ask the instructor or a staff nurse to take the pulse.
C) Discuss this finding during postconference with other students.
D) Wait 4 hours and take the patient's pulse again.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A pulse rate of 20 beats/min is extremely low and could indicate a serious medical condition. Asking an instructor or staff nurse to take the pulse can help confirm the reading and determine if further medical intervention is needed. Recording the pulse rate on the vital signs sheet is important, but not the priority in this situation. Discussing the finding during postconference is also important, but should not delay taking action. Waiting four hours to take the pulse again could put the patient at risk if the low pulse rate is a sign of a serious medical condition.

A Student Takes an Adult Patient's Pulse and Counts 20