Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

A rapid pulse of 104 beats per minute is indicative of which condition?

1. Bradycardia

2. Tachycardia

3. Arrhythmia

4. Hypertension

The correct answer is: Tachycardia

A rapid pulse of 104 beats per minute is indicative of tachycardia, which is defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. Tachycardia can occur in response to various conditions, including stress, fever, anemia, or other medical issues. A heart rate in this range suggests that the heart is beating faster than normal, which can affect the heart's efficiency and may lead to other health concerns if sustained over time. Bradycardia, in contrast, refers to a slower than normal heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute. Arrhythmia describes an irregular heartbeat, which may manifest as a fast, slow, or erratic heart rate but does not specifically indicate a rapid pulse. Hypertension is characterized by elevated blood pressure, which does not directly correlate to heart rate. Therefore, the context of a rapid pulse aligns with the definition of tachycardia.