Question

You should be MOST suspicious that a patient with chest pressure has an underlying cardiac problem if his or her pulse is:

a) 80 beats/min and regular
b) 110 beats/min and irregular
c) 120 beats/min and regular
d) 90 beats/min and irregular

Answer 1

A pulse of 110 beats per minute with irregularity should raise the most suspicion of a cardiac problem in a patient experiencing chest pressure, as it suggests tachycardia and potential arrhythmia.

Step-by-step explanation:

You should be most suspicious that a patient with chest pressure has an underlying cardiac problem if his or her pulse is 110 beats/min and irregular. This is because a normal adult resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. A rate above 100 bpm is classified as tachycardia, and irregularity can indicate an arrhythmia. Both conditions can be symptomatic of heart disorders. An irregular pulse often means the heart’s rhythm is out of its normal pattern, which can be due to various cardiac conditions such as atrial fibrillation or other forms of heart disease. Furthermore, the combination of chest pressure with an irregular and elevated pulse signifies a greater likelihood of a serious cardiac issue that warrants immediate medical attention.