A patient has a regular radial pulse of 112 beats per minute while resting in bed. What should the nurse do first?
Correct answer: A. Recheck the pulse after the patient rests quietly
- A. Recheck the pulse after the patient rests quietly
- B. Document the value as the patient’s baseline
- C. Apply a cold compress to reduce the pulse
- D. Ask the patient to walk to confirm the reading
Explanation
A resting pulse above the expected adult range should first be confirmed after the patient rests quietly, using a full one-minute count if needed. Activity, anxiety, pain, fever, and an inaccurate count can raise the pulse, but a confirmed persistent tachycardia requires further assessment and reporting.
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About Vital Signs and Monitoring
Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and pain assessment. Coverage includes correct measurement sites and techniques, normal adult ranges, factors that alter readings, trends in patient observations, and the difference between an abnormal finding that needs reassessment and one requiring immediate reporting.
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