Pulse deficit refers to the difference between the apical heart rate (heard at the heart apex with a stethoscope) and the radial pulse rate (felt at the wrist). This occurs when some heart contractions are too weak to produce a palpable pulse at peripheral sites. A significant pulse deficit (usually more than 10 beats per minute difference) indicates inefficient cardiac output and is commonly found in atrial fibrillation, other arrhythmias, or heart failure. Assessing for pulse deficit requires two healthcare providers working simultaneously—one counting apical beats while the other counts radial pulses—or one person using careful timing. This assessment provides important information about cardiac efficiency and guides treatment decisions.

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Zambia

• loveness Phiri – 1084 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies