A nurse is assessing a client who has atrial fibrillation. Which of the following pulse characteristics should the nurse expect?

Rationale: A. Slow is incorrect because atrial fibrillation (AF) does not necessarily cause a slow pulse. The ventricular rate depends on how the atrioventricular (AV) node conducts impulses from the atria to the ventricles. In some clients, the rate can be rapid (tachycardia), normal, or even slower if they are taking rate-controlling medications like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. Therefore, a slow pulse is not a characteristic finding of AF itself. B. Irregular is correct because atrial fibrillation is characterized by disorganized and chaotic electrical activity in the atria. This leads to an irregularly irregular ventricular response, meaning there is no consistent pattern to the pulse. The strength of each beat can also vary due to inconsistent ventricular filling. Nurses often describe this as an irregular pulse that “skips beats” or feels uneven. This irregularity is a hallmark of AF and is an important assessment finding. C. Bounding is incorrect because a bounding pulse is strong, forceful, and usually associated with conditions like fever, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, or fluid overload. In AF, the pulse may vary in strength beat to beat, but it is not typically described as bounding. D. Not palpable is incorrect because in most clients with atrial fibrillation, the pulse is palpable, although it is irregular. A non-palpable pulse would suggest severe hypotension or cardiac arrest, which is not a typical presentation of stable AF.