NBRC Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS) Practice Exam 2025 - Free SDS Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the context of a patient exhibiting atrial fibrillation (A-fib), monitoring the pulse becomes crucial for several reasons. A-fib is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, which can significantly affect hemodynamics. Assessing the pulse provides immediate information regarding the heart rhythm and rate. An irregular pulse indicates the presence of A-fib, and changes in the pulse rate can be indicative of complications such as a decrease in cardiac output or the risk of thromboembolic events.

While respiratory rate, SpO2, and mental status are important parameters to monitor in a comprehensive evaluation, they do not provide the same level of direct feedback about the immediate effects of A-fib on the patient’s cardiovascular status. For instance, respiratory rate may be affected by various factors unrelated to A-fib; SpO2 can indicate oxygenation but does not directly inform about cardiac function; and a mental status assessment, while valuable, does not specifically reflect the cardiovascular stability in the presence of A-fib. Therefore, consistently checking the pulse offers vital insights into the patient's cardiovascular performance and is critical when A-fib is present.