A radial pulse of 2+ is described as?

• A. Normal
• B. Bounding
• C. Absent
• D. Weak and thready

Answer: (A)

Grading pulse strength on a standard 0–4 scale is what this item is testing. A radial pulse described as 2+ means normal pulse strength: you can easily palpate a moderate, steady volume without it being overly firm or weak. This reflects adequate circulating blood and cardiac output at rest. If the pulse were described as weak and thready, it would indicate reduced volume and poor perfusion; if it were bounding, it would indicate a pulse that is too strong or pounding, often seen with high stroke volume or elevated blood pressure; if it were absent, no pulse could be felt. So 2+ is the normal descriptor.