# Two nurses simultaneously assess apical and radial pulses in a client with irregular palpitations. Click the 15-second interval with the largest difference between heartbeats and peripheral pulses.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
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> language: en  
> subject: Reduction of Risk Potential  
> category: ROR

## Question

Two nurses simultaneously assess apical and radial pulses in a client with irregular palpitations. Click the 15-second interval with the largest difference between heartbeats and peripheral pulses.

![](https://mymerci.kr/data/nclex/hotspot/regen_20260908_2350/HSR542.svg)

## Explanation

C has 20 apical beats but only 16 radial pulses, a difference of four.

## In-depth explanation

Quick answer
C. C has 20 apical beats but only 16 radial pulses, a difference of four.
Why this is the best choice
Count corresponding events within each shared interval. A small delay between an apical beat and its radial pulse is expected and is not a missing pulse. C has the largest actual count difference; report the complete assessment rather than inferring a rhythm diagnosis from counts alone.
Clinical picture
The observations are fictional teaching data. Apply the stated context; the selected feature does not by itself replace a complete bedside assessment.
Memory hook
Distinguish delayed peripheral arrival from an absent peripheral pulse.
Decision rule
Distinguish delayed peripheral arrival from an absent peripheral pulse.
Why the other regions do not fit
A has matching counts of 18. B has 21 versus 20, a difference of one. D has 17 versus 15, a difference of two. Their lower or higher absolute rates do not exceed C’s difference of four.
**Sources**
- Simultaneous apical and radial assessment identifies a pulse deficit.

## Key concepts

- **Apical-radial comparison with physiologic pulse delay** — Distinguish delayed peripheral arrival from an absent peripheral pulse.
- **Comparison with context** — B has the fastest cardiac count, and D has the fewest peripheral pulses, but neither has the largest paired difference.

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