Asked by
Bryce Hamlin
on Nov 01, 2024
Verified
When assessing a patient's pulse, the nurse notes that the amplitude is weaker during inspiration and stronger during expiration. When the nurse measures the blood pressure, the reading decreases 20 mm Hg during inspiration and increases with expiration. What do these findings indicate?
A) Pulsus alternans
B) Pulsus bisferiens
C) Pulsus bigeminus
D) Pulsus paradoxus
Pulsus Paradoxus
An exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, often indicating specific types of heart or chest problems.
Pulsus Alternans
A physical finding where there is alternating amplitude of the pulse with each beat, usually indicating left ventricular dysfunction.
Pulsus Bigeminus
A pattern of the heartbeat where normal beats alternate with premature contractions or abnormal beats, typically felt as an irregular pulse.
- Understand the value of pulse examination and what it suggests about the health of the vascular system.
Verified Answer
DR
Learning Objectives
- Understand the value of pulse examination and what it suggests about the health of the vascular system.