Patient CareQuestion 24 of 100
A technician palpates a patient's radial pulse and notes it is regular. For how long may the pulse be counted, and what is done with the result?
a.Count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
b.Count for 10 seconds and multiply by 4
c.Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 3
d.Estimate without counting
Explanation
A regular radial pulse may be counted for 30 seconds and multiplied by 2 to obtain the rate per minute. If the pulse is irregular, it must be counted for a full 60 seconds for accuracy. The radial pulse is palpated with the fingertips, never the thumb, which has its own pulse.
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