What is the correct method to determine a client's pulse pressure?

The pulse pressure is defined as the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. In assessing cardiovascular health, pulse pressure is an important factor as it reflects the force that the heart generates each time it pumps. It can provide insight into the health of arteries and overall cardiac function.

To determine the pulse pressure, one takes the systolic blood pressure – the pressure during heartbeats – and subtracts the diastolic blood pressure – the pressure when the heart rests between beats. Therefore, calculating this difference is the appropriate method.

The other methods listed are not related to measuring pulse pressure. Multiplying heart rate by stroke volume relates to cardiac output, while averaging the two blood pressure readings gives mean arterial pressure, which serves a different purpose. Additionally, calculating the difference between the apical and radial rates pertains to assessing pulse deficits, which is indicative of conditions like atrial fibrillation and does not relate to pulse pressure directly.