The nurse enters the room to measure the client’s pulse rate. The nurs

The nurse enters the room to measure the client’s pulse rate. The nurse recognizes that the client’s rate may be increased as a result of:

1. A febrile condition
2. Administration of digoxin
3. The client’s athletic conditioning
4. Unrelieved severe postoperative pain

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Fever and heat may increase a client’s pulse rate. Digoxin is a negative chronotropic drug; it will decrease the client’s pulse rate. A conditioned athlete who participates in long-term exercise will have a lower heart rate at rest. Unrelieved severe pain increases parasympathetic stimulation; de-creasing the heart rate.