Home › CNA Practice Tests › Basic Nursing Skills Questions › Question 20
The nurse asks the assistant to take an apical pulse. How long should the assistant listen with the stethoscope?
- A.For 10 seconds and multiply by six
- B.For 15 seconds and multiply by four
- C.For 30 seconds and multiply by two
- D.For one full minute
Correct answer
D. For one full minute
Why
The apical pulse, heard over the apex of the heart on the left side of the chest, is counted for one full minute. A full minute gives an accurate rate and allows rhythm to be assessed.
Content outline: Basic Nursing Skills - Vital Signs: Pulse · From the Basic Nursing Skills practice bank (BN-020).