The nurse notices that the patient has an irregular pulse.She assesses the patient for a pulse deficit and finds it to be significant.The nurse should:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulse deficits frequently are associated with dysrhythmias and warn of potentially decreased cardiac function.If a pulse deficit is noted,assess for other signs and symptoms of decreased cardiac output.
Record the apical pulse,the radial pulse and site,and the pulse deficit in the nurses' notes.Inform the nurse in charge or the health care provider of the presence of a pulse deficit.
Discuss findings with patient as needed.The task of radial pulse palpation may be delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP)while the nurse assesses the apical pulse.However,the nurse is responsible for determining the presence of a pulse deficit and for follow-up assessments.

The Nurse Notices That the Patient Has an Irregular Pulse