The nurse is caring for an adult patient with a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/minute. Which term will the nurse use to document this finding in the patient's chart?

A. The patient's blood pressure must remain elevated during several separate assessments in order to make a diagnosis of hypertension. Hypertension is diagnosed based on persistently elevated blood pressure readings across multiple visits, rather than a single elevated measurement.
B. The patient appeared extremely stressed and the health care provider decided not to inform the patient of the diagnosis at that appointment. While stress can temporarily elevate blood pressure, a diagnosis should be based on multiple readings rather than withholding information from the patient.
C. The patient's primary health care provider must consult with a cardiologist in order to make a diagnosis of hypertension. A cardiology consult is not required to diagnose hypertension; primary care providers can diagnose and manage hypertension independently.
D. The patient's blood pressure must be at least 180/100 during a single assessment in order for a diagnosis of hypertension to be made. A reading of 180/100 mmHg indicates hypertensive crisis, but hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently ≥140/90 mmHg on multiple occasions.

A. Instruct the client to report for weekly re-evaluations by the nurse. A pulse deficit indicates a difference between the apical and radial pulse rates, which may suggest cardiac dysfunction such as atrial fibrillation. This requires immediate evaluation, not just weekly monitoring.
B. Teach the client how to check pulses at home. While patient education is important, a pulse deficit is a clinical concern that should be addressed by a healthcare provider before self-monitoring is advised.
C. Report this finding to the physician. A pulse deficit may indicate arrhythmias or decreased cardiac output, requiring further evaluation and possible medical intervention. The physician should be informed promptly.
D. Document this finding. While documentation is necessary, the priority action is to report the pulse deficit to the physician so appropriate diagnostic tests and interventions can be initiated.