NCLEX RN Simulated Exam Test Bank Related

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You have been assigned to take an apical pulse for one of the patients on the nursing unit. How will you do this?

  • A. You will place the stethoscope over the heart and listen for any irregular beats.
  • B. You will place the stethoscope over the heart and count the beats per minute.
  • C. You will place your fingertip over the patient's wrist and feel for any irregular beats.
  • D. You will place your fingertip over the patient's wrist and count the beats per minute.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To take an apical pulse accurately, you should place the stethoscope over the heart and count the number of beats per minute. This method provides a precise assessment of the heart rate. While listening for irregular beats is essential for assessing the heart's rhythm, the primary objective of taking an apical pulse is to determine the heart rate. Choices C and D are incorrect because the apical pulse is not taken at the wrist; instead, it is obtained by auscultating at the apex of the heart, usually at the point where the fifth intercostal space meets the midclavicular line.