Why would the RN choose to complete an apical-radial check on a client with heart disease?

A) A forceful radial pulse is too difficult to count correctly.
B) Both arterial and venous sounds can be heard simultaneously.
C) The pulse is bounding and easily obliterated.
D) A peripheral pulse may be inaccurate due to weakness of the heart.

Apical-Radial Check

A clinical assessment technique where the apical pulse (heart rate heard at the chest) and radial pulse (felt at the wrist) are measured simultaneously to detect pulse deficits.

Peripheral Pulse

A pulse located away from the heart, typically felt over arteries at various points of the body, used to assess circulatory health.

Heart Disease

A broad term for a range of diseases affecting the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, and heart defects.