When assessing a patient's pulse, a strong pulse is defined as:

A strong pulse is characterized by the ability to be easily palpated without any pressure applied. This means that the force of the heartbeat is sufficient enough to be felt robustly at the site being assessed, indicating good blood flow and circulation. A strong pulse typically signifies that the cardiovascular system is functioning well, with a healthy volume of blood being ejected from the heart with each beat.

In medical assessments, the characteristics of a pulse are crucial for determining the patient’s hemodynamic status. A pulse that is categorized as "weak and difficult to feel" would not be considered strong, as it indicates potential issues with circulation. Similarly, a pulse that is easily felt with light pressure denotes strength but does not fully capture the definition of a strong pulse as the question requires. A pulse that has a normal rhythm pertains to the regularity of the pulse rather than its strength. Thus, the emphasis on the ability to feel the pulse without any pressure corresponds directly with the clinical definition of a strong pulse.