How do you calculate the heart rate of a cat whose pulse is 37 beats in 15 seconds?

Study for the Penn Foster Intro to Veterinary Technology Exam. Engage with interactive materials including flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam day!

To calculate the heart rate of a cat from the pulse count in a shorter time frame, you can extend that measurement to a minute by using a multiplier. In the case of the cat's pulse being 37 beats in 15 seconds, the proper approach is to multiply the number of beats by 4 to obtain the beats per minute.

This is derived from the fact that there are four 15-second intervals in one minute. Thus, if you have the pulse for 15 seconds, multiplying by 4 gives you the total number of beats for the entire minute.

So, in this situation:

37 beats in 15 seconds x 4 intervals (since 15 seconds x 4 = 60 seconds) equals 148 beats per minute. This method is effective and simple, making it an essential technique for veterinary technicians and other professionals when assessing heart rate in animals.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy