Chapter 3: Pulse Characteristics Flashcards
When taking a pulse, the strength of the pulse should be noted?
Yes.
What are any irregularities when taking a pulse?
Indicator of pathological condition like aortic valve regurgitation.
What are some descriptions that refer to the strengthof the pulse?
Normal, bounding (forceful or strong) and thready (barely perceivable or weak).
What is Bradycardia?
An abnormally slow resting heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.
What is Tachycardia?
An abnormally rapid resting heart rate usually greater than 100 bets per minute.
When a pulse lack a regular rhythm or equal spacing of the beats is referred as?
An arrhythmia.
An Arrhythmia results from?
Abnormal electrical impulses that are involved in coordinating the heartbeats.
What does patients who are lightheaded, dizzy or report palpitations have detected?
Premature beats, skipped beats or other pulse irregularities.
Why Arrhythmias must be noted and documented?
Because they may indicate heart disease.
