A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having cardiac tamponade. Which of the following findings indicates the presence of pulsus paradoxus?
A decrease in systolic blood pressure greater than 10 mm Hg during inspiration
A decrease in heart rate greater than 10/min when lying down
An increase in diastolic blood pressure greater than 10 mm Hg during inspiration
An increase in heart rate greater than 20/min when standing
The Correct Answer is A
A. A decrease in systolic blood pressure greater than 10 mm Hg during inspiration: Pulsus paradoxus is an exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration. Normally, there is a slight decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration due to increased intrathoracic pressure and decreased venous return to the heart. However, in conditions such as cardiac tamponade or severe asthma exacerbations, the decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration is more pronounced (>10 mm Hg), indicating impaired cardiac output and decreased left ventricular filling during inspiration.
B. A decrease in heart rate greater than 10/min when lying down: This finding is not indicative of pulsus paradoxus. Pulsus paradoxus primarily refers to changes in systolic blood pressure during inspiration rather than alterations in heart rate when lying down.
C. An increase in diastolic blood pressure greater than 10 mm Hg during inspiration: This finding is not indicative of pulsus paradoxus. Pulsus paradoxus is characterized by an exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, not changes in diastolic blood pressure.
D. An increase in heart rate greater than 20/min when standing: This finding is not indicative of pulsus paradoxus. Pulsus paradoxus primarily refers to changes in systolic blood pressure during inspiration rather than alterations in heart rate when standing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "You can have 2 to 3 cups of coffee throughout the day": Caffeine consumption can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms in some individuals. Therefore, advising the client to limit caffeine intake, rather than specifying a quantity, would be more appropriate.
B. "You should practice deep breathing exercises": Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may contribute to tinnitus symptoms. Stress management strategies can be beneficial in managing tinnitus-related distress.
C. "You can use at least 2,300 mg of sodium daily": High sodium intake may exacerbate tinnitus symptoms in some individuals. Advising the client to limit sodium intake would be more appropriate to potentially alleviate symptoms.
D. "You should avoid exercising": Regular exercise is generally beneficial for overall health and well-being, including stress reduction, which can help manage tinnitus symptoms. Therefore, advising the client to avoid exercising is not appropriate.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Synchronized electrical cardioversion: Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a procedure used to restore normal sinus rhythm in patients with certain types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. However, it is not typically indicated for all patients with worsening heart failure and arrhythmias.
B. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT): CRT, also known as biventricular pacing, involves the placement of a specialized pacemaker device to improve the coordination of contractions between the heart's chambers. It is often used in patients with heart failure and arrhythmias to help regulate the rhythm and improve cardiac function.
C. Heart catheterization with percutaneous intervention: Heart catheterization with percutaneous intervention, such as angioplasty or stent placement, is used to treat coronary artery disease by opening narrowed or blocked blood vessels. While coronary artery disease may contribute to heart failure, this procedure specifically targets the coronary arteries rather than arrhythmias.
D. Echocardiogram : An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function. While an echocardiogram may provide valuable information about the heart's condition in a patient with heart failure and arrhythmias, it is not a procedure used to regulate the rhythm directly.
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