Which client requires follow-up assessment due to bradycardia?

• A. An older adult who has an apical pulse rate of 62/min
• B. A school-age child who has an apical pulse rate of 78/min
• C. An adolescent who has a radial pulse rate of 76/min
• D. A young adult who has a radial pulse rate of 56/min

Answer: (D)

Bradycardia means a heart rate below 60 beats per minute in adults, which prompts follow-up to check stability and possible underlying causes. The older adult with an apical pulse of 62/min is not bradycardia; it’s within a normal adult range. The school-age child at 78/min and the adolescent at 76/min are both within expected ranges for their ages. The young adult with a radial pulse of 56/min is below 60, fitting the bradycardia criterion, and this situation should be followed up to assess symptoms, perfusion, and possible causes such as medications, athletic conditioning, thyroid issues, or conduction abnormalities.