Question

An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) assigned to obtain client vital signs reports to the charge nurse that a client has a weak pulse with a rate of 44 beat/ minutes. What action should the charge nurse implement?

Answer 1

The charge nurse should take immediate action when a weak pulse rate of 44 beats per minute is reported. This could indicate a medical concern and may require further evaluation and interventions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The charge nurse should take immediate action when a UAP reports a client with a weak pulse rate of 44 beats per minute. A pulse rate below the normal range may indicate a medical concern. The charge nurse should assess the client's condition, apply appropriate interventions if necessary, and notify the healthcare provider.

A weak pulse rate of 44 beats per minute falls below the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute for adults. It could be a sign of bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate. Bradycardia can be caused by various factors such as medication, a heart condition, or physiological changes.

To determine the cause and severity of the weak pulse, the charge nurse could consider checking the client's blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels, perform an ECG to assess the heart's electrical activity, and evaluate the client for any other symptoms or concerns. Based on the findings, appropriate interventions can be implemented, such as administering medication, providing supplemental oxygen, or contacting the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.