Question

A nurse is working with a new admission who has a baseline blood pressure (BP) of 120/80 mm Hg with a pulse of 66 BPM. This client experiences a drop in BP to 100/40. Which of the following pulse rates would serve to maintain the client's baseline cardiac output (CO)? (Select all that apply.)

A. 62 BPM
B. 68 BPM
C. 70 BPM
D. 64 BPM

Answer 1

To maintain the client's baseline cardiac output, the pulse rate should increase. Pulse rates of 62 BPM, 68 BPM, 70 BPM, and 64 BPM would help offset the decrease in blood pressure and ensure effective blood circulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to maintain the client's baseline cardiac output (CO), the pulse rate should increase to compensate for the drop in blood pressure. A decrease in blood pressure could signify a decrease in the amount of blood being pumped out of the heart, so increasing the pulse rate would help maintain cardiac output.

Out of the given options, the pulse rates that could help maintain the client's baseline cardiac output are:

• 62 BPM
• 68 BPM
• 70 BPM
• 64 BPM

These pulse rates would help offset the decrease in blood pressure and ensure that the heart is still effectively pumping blood throughout the body.