EVOLVE Assessing Apical Pulse

Which statement demonstrates an understanding of the importance of communicating changes in the patient's apical pulse rate?

"The apical pulse increased from 78 to 110, but the patient had just returned from the bathroom."

The nurse can best determine the effect of crying on a patient's apical pulse by doing what?

Comparing the patient's post-crying apical pulse rate with her baseline or previous rate.

What is the primary purpose of initially assessing an apical pulse?

Establishment of a baseline as part of the patient's vital signs

What instruction should the nurse give nursing assistive personnel (NAP) regarding the appropriate technique when measuring the adult patient's apical pulse?

Place your stethoscope at the fifth intercostal space over the left midclavicular line.

Which action would take priority if a patient's apical pulse has an irregular rhythm?

reassess the pulse for 1 full minute.