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

Choice A reason: A pulse that is not palpable suggests cardiac arrest or severe hypotension, not atrial fibrillation. Choice B reason: A bounding pulse is associated with conditions like fever, anemia, or hyperthyroidism, not typically atrial fibrillation. Choice C reason: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular pulse due to disorganized atrial electrical activity and variable ventricular response. Choice D reason: The pulse in atrial fibrillation may be rapid or normal, but the hallmark is irregularity, not necessarily slowness.