How should the nurse document a client's apical pulse of 75 beats per minute and a radial pulse of 69 beats per minute?

The correct answer is that the nurse should document a pulse deficit. A pulse deficit occurs when there is a discrepancy between the apical pulse and the radial pulse. In this scenario, the apical pulse is 75 beats per minute, while the radial pulse is 69 beats per minute. This difference indicates that not every heartbeat detected at the apex of the heart is transmitted to the peripheral arteries, which can happen due to various cardiac conditions.

By documenting a pulse deficit, the nurse provides important information about the client's cardiovascular status. This is particularly crucial for identifying potential issues such as arrhythmias or other cardiac dysfunction. Recognizing and recording such discrepancies can help in further assessments and lead to appropriate interventions.

Documentation of expected findings would not accurately convey the situation because the difference in pulse rates signifies a potential abnormality that should not be overlooked. Additionally, terms like "widened pulse pressure" and "pulsus paradoxus" refer to specific clinical findings related to blood pressure and respiratory patterns rather than the discrepancy between the apical and radial pulse rates.