Question

A nurse needs to count a client's apical heart rate. Which assessment site is most suitable for counting the apical heart rate?

1) Radial pulse
2) Brachial pulse
3) Carotid pulse
4) Apical pulse

Answer 1

The most suitable assessment site for counting the apical heart rate is the apical pulse. The apical pulse is measured by placing a stethoscope over the apex of the heart.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best site for counting the apical heart rate is the apical pulse. The apical pulse is measured by placing a stethoscope over the apex of the heart, which is typically found at the fifth intercostal space in the midclavicular line. By listening to the heart sounds through the stethoscope, the nurse can accurately count the heart rate.

While other pulse sites like the radial, brachial, and carotid can also be used to measure heart rate, the apical pulse is considered the most accurate because it directly measures the contraction of the heart.