Which pulse strength is described as bounding?

• A. +2 normal
• B. +1 diminished
• C. +4 bounding
• D. +3 full

Answer: (C)

Bounding describes a pulse that feels unusually strong, full, and forceful with a rapid upstroke—much more intense than a normal pulse. On the common pulse-amplitude scale used in nursing assessments, this is the highest level of intensity, indicating a large stroke volume or decreased peripheral resistance. It’s stronger than a normal or simply full pulse, and it’s the descriptor you’ll hear for pulses that are very vigorous and hard to miss. This can occur with situations that boost cardiac output or widen pulse pressure, such as fever, exercise, anemia, hyperthyroidism, or certain heart valve conditions. In contrast, a diminished pulse is weak, a normal pulse sits at an expected level, and a full pulse is strong but not excessively so.