Question

A nurse palpates the pulse of a client and documents the following: 6/6/12 pulse 85 and regular, 3+, and equal in radial, popliteal, and dorsalis pedis. What does the number 3+ represent?

1) Rate
2) Rhythm
3) Amplitude
4) Deficit

Answer 1

The '3+' in a pulse measurement refers to the amplitude, which indicates a normal and healthy pulse strength, representing good systolic pressure and ventricular contraction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The number 3+ documented by the nurse when palpating the pulse of a client represents the amplitude of the pulse, which indicates the strength of ventricular contraction and cardiac output. In clinical settings, pulse amplitude is often scored on a scale from 0 to 4, with 0 being no palpable pulse, 1+ indicating a faint but detectable pulse, 2+ a weak pulse, 3+ a normal and healthy pulse, and 4+ a bounding pulse. Therefore, when the nurse documents a pulse of 3+, it means that the radial, popliteal, and dorsalis pedis pulses were strong and normal, suggesting good systolic pressure and that medical intervention may not be warranted in this aspect of the client's health.