When assessing a patient's pulse, you note that it is irregular. To get an accurate heart rate, you would:

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Counting the number of beats that occur in 1 minute will provide an accurate heart rate even if the pulse is irregular. It may be necessary to count for a longer period of time to get an accurate average. Listening with a stethoscope or feeling the carotid pulse for a shorter period of time and multiplying may not provide an accurate heart rate if the irregularity of the pulse causes skipped beats or premature contractions. Doubling the number of beats obtained in 30 seconds may also not be accurate if the irregularity persists.

When Assessing a Patient's Pulse, You Note That It Is