The nursing assistant collects a client's vital signs and the client has a "thready pulse" with a rate of 45. What is the first action for the nursing assistant to take?

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The first action the nursing assistant should take is to notify the nurse immediately about the thready pulse and low rate so the nurse may further assess the client and provide emergent measures. The nursing assistant may complete the set of vital signs while the nurse is on the way. The blood pressure and respirations will help the nurse to better assess what is going on with the client. A weak thready pulse indicates a decrease in circulation to the heart, and the low rate of 45 also supports the finding. The blood pressure will probably be low as well, and the respirations are usually taken while checking the client's pulse. The nursing assistant observes the client's responsiveness while taking vital signs. The nursing assistant should stay with the client in case the client needs CPR and wait for the nurse and others to arrive to help.

The Nursing Assistant Collects a Client's Vital Signs and the Client