RN Exam Practice
Management of CareQuestion 2246 of 2368

During chart review, the nurse compares two clients' heart rates today. Which finding is the most important cue requiring prioritized assessment?

  1. A client whose heart rate has stayed in the 60s since admission and is now 104
  2. A client whose heart rate was 104 on admission and is still 104
  3. A client whose heart rate was in the low 100s and is now 102
  4. A client whose heart rate has stayed 70 since admission and is now 72
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Correct answer: A client whose heart rate has stayed in the 60s since admission and is now 104

A change from the client's own baseline is the important cue. A rate that matches the baseline is less concerning.

Source: Nursing Management and Professional Concepts, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Prioritization: Handoff Report/Chart Review. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Management of Care"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026