What additional assessment should the nurse complete for an 85-year-old male client with a radial pulse rate of 104 beats/minute?

Measuring the blood pressure is a critical assessment for an elderly client with a radial pulse rate of 104 beats per minute. An elevated pulse rate, known as tachycardia, can sometimes indicate various underlying health issues, such as dehydration, anemia, heart disease, or anxiety. Since blood pressure provides essential information about the cardiovascular system's status, it would allow the nurse to determine whether the elevated pulse is accompanied by hypotension or hypertension.

In elderly patients, it is particularly important to monitor both the heart rate and blood pressure, as changes can indicate significant medical concerns warranting further investigation or intervention. This dual assessment helps create a more comprehensive picture of the client's hemodynamic status. Taking the blood pressure alongside assessing the pulse gives the healthcare provider insights into potential risks and guides any necessary treatment decisions. Thus, measuring blood pressure complements the assessment of the pulse rate and is essential in managing the care of the client.