Which pulse rate value should be reported as abnormal?

• A. Lower than 50 or higher than 100
• B. Lower than 70 or higher than 120
• C. Lower than 60 or higher than 90
• D. Lower than 40 or higher than 110

Answer: (C)

Understanding what counts as a normal resting pulse helps you spot readings that need reporting. In this context, the expected normal range is 60 to 90 beats per minute. Readings below 60 indicate bradycardia, and readings above 90 indicate tachycardia, both of which should be reported to the nurse. That’s why the threshold of lower than 60 or higher than 90 is identified as abnormal—it matches the range used for this item and flags values outside it.

The other options set different cutoff points that aren’t aligned with the stated normal range. Some would miss milder abnormal readings (for example, showing 70–90 as normal when a value just above 90 would still be considered abnormal here), or would label too many normal readings as abnormal. In practice, you report readings that fall outside the expected 60–90 range, as that indicates a potential issue needing nursing assessment.