Is it true that a patient with a rapid pulse has bradycardia?

A rapid pulse indicates tachycardia, which is characterized by a heart rate exceeding the normal resting range (typically over 100 beats per minute in adults). On the other hand, bradycardia is defined by a slower than normal heart rate, generally below 60 beats per minute. Therefore, the statement that a patient with a rapid pulse has bradycardia is inaccurate.

Selecting the response indicates an understanding that the two terms—tachycardia and bradycardia—describe opposite conditions regarding heart rate. This differentiation is fundamental when monitoring cardiovascular health, as both conditions can signal different underlying health issues that may require medical intervention. The context of the question reinforces this understanding, as it emphasizes the clear distinction between high and low heart rates.