Which term describes a pulse that is weak and easily felt with light pressure?

• A. Thready
• B. Bounding
• C. Regular
• D. Irregular

Answer: (A)

When you assess pulse quality, you describe how strong and how regular the pulse feels. A thready pulse is faint and barely perceptible, with a very small amplitude. It can be difficult to detect and may disappear with even slight pressure from your fingers. This indicates reduced stroke volume and poor peripheral perfusion, which occurs with dehydration, significant blood loss, hypovolemia, or early shock, and is often accompanied by signs like low blood pressure and cool, clammy skin. In contrast, a bounding pulse is strong and forceful, regular refers to a steady rhythm, and irregular means an inconsistent rhythm. So the description of a weak pulse that’s easily diminished by light touch points to a thready pulse.