Question

When checking the apical-radial pulse, one nurse auscultates the apical pulse at the left 4th or 5th intercostal space for one full minute while another nurse feels for the radial pulse at the same time.

Options:
a) True
b) False

Answer 1

The statement that one nurse listens to the apical pulse while another measures the radial pulse simultaneously to check for pulse deficit is true. This technique is important for detecting cardiac abnormalities. The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

When checking the apical-radial pulse, it is true that one nurse auscultates the apical pulse at the left 4th or 5th intercostal space for one full minute while another nurse feels for the radial pulse at the same time. This simultaneous measurement can detect any discrepancy between the two pulses, known as pulse deficit, which might indicate a cardiac abnormality.

The measuring of blood pressure involves the use of a stethoscope placed on the patient's antecubital region to listen for Korotkoff sounds, indicating the measurement at the brachial artery rather than the radial or apical sites.