Pulsus paradoxus would be manifested as:
A) a greater than 40 mm Hg difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
B)inspiratory systolic blood pressure 10 mm Hg less than during expiration.
C)inspiratory diastolic blood pressure 10 mm Hg less than during expiration.
D)systolic and diastolic blood pressure reading being reversed.

Question

Pulsus paradoxus would be manifested as:
A) a greater than 40 mm Hg difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
B)inspiratory systolic blood pressure >10 mm Hg less than during expiration.
C)inspiratory diastolic blood pressure >10 mm Hg less than during expiration.
D)systolic and diastolic blood pressure reading being reversed.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulsus paradoxus is defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure greater than 10 mm Hg during inspiration compared to expiration. This can occur in conditions such as cardiac tamponade, severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Option A is incorrect as a blood pressure difference of greater than 40 mm Hg between systolic and diastolic readings is indicative of a widened pulse pressure. Option C is incorrect as pulsus paradoxus refers to changes in systolic blood pressure rather than diastolic. Option D is incorrect as reversed blood pressure readings would indicate measurement error rather than pulsus paradoxus.

Pulsus Paradoxus Would Be Manifested As