Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cardiac Vascular Nursing Practice Questions and Study Guide

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What does pulsus paroxodus indicate?

Increased blood flow during expiration

An alteration of blood pressure on inspiration

Pulsus paradoxus refers to a clinical phenomenon where there is a significant drop in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, typically exceeding 10 mmHg. This occurs due to the increased intrathoracic pressure during inhalation, which reduces venous return to the heart and subsequently decreases stroke volume and blood pressure. Thus, the correct option accurately describes this alteration of blood pressure associated with respiration.

Understanding pulsus paradoxus is crucial in a clinical context, particularly in conditions such as cardiac tamponade, severe asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, where the differences in blood pressure readings during the respiratory cycle can provide important diagnostic information.

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A consistent blood pressure level

A rapid heartbeat

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