Question

When encountering an irregular pulse while measuring vital signs, what should the nurse do?

a) Record the pulse as normal.
b) Inform the client and continue measuring other vital signs.
c) Report the irregular pulse to the healthcare provider.
d) Retake the pulse after the client rests for 10 minutes.

Answer 1

When encountering an irregular pulse while measuring vital signs, the nurse should report the irregular pulse to the healthcare provider and retake the pulse after the client rests for 10 minutes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When encountering an irregular pulse while measuring vital signs, the nurse should c) Report the irregular pulse to the healthcare provider.

An irregular pulse can indicate a potential heart condition and should be brought to the attention of a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate intervention. It is important to ensure the accuracy of the measurement, so d) Retake the pulse after the client rests for 10 minutes is also a recommended step to ensure accurate assessment.