Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions Related

Review Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions related questions and content

When assessing the force or strength of a pulse, what would the nurse recall about the pulse?

  • A. Is a reflection of the heart's stroke volume
  • B. Typically recorded on a 0- to 3-point scale
  • C. Demonstrates elasticity of the blood vessel wall
  • D. Reflects the blood volume in the arteries during diastole
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When assessing the force or strength of a pulse, the nurse should recall that it is a reflection of the heart's stroke volume. The heart pumps an amount of blood (the stroke volume) into the aorta, causing arterial walls to flare and generate a pressure wave felt as the pulse in the periphery. The force of the pulse is typically recorded on a 0- to 3-point scale, not a 0- to 2-point scale. The force of the pulse does not demonstrate the elasticity of blood vessel walls or reflect the blood volume in the arteries during diastole. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.