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

Rationale: A. While an absent pulse can occur in extreme cases of poor perfusion, it is not typical in atrial fibrillation. In AFib, the heart still contracts, though irregularly, so the pulse is usually detectable. B. A bounding pulse is strong, forceful, and easily palpable, often seen in conditions like hyperthyroidism, fever, or aortic regurgitation. AFib does not typically produce a bounding pulse; instead, the pulse may feel weak or variable due to irregular ventricular contractions. C. A regular pulse indicates consistent rhythm and timing between beats. In atrial fibrillation, the atria fire chaotically, leading to an irregularly irregular pulse. A regular pulse is more characteristic of normal sinus rhythm or controlled atrial flutter. D. Some clients with AFib may have a slower rate, especially if they are on rate-controlling medications (e.g., beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers). However, the hallmark of AFib is irregularity in rhythm, which should be the primary focus of assessment.