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. Poor functional ability: While poor functional ability may impact the overall prognosis and quality of life for a client with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), it is not directly associated with a high mortality rate. Functional ability can be improved with rehabilitation and supportive care.
B. Rebleeding of the injury: Rebleeding of the SAH is a significant risk factor associated with a high mortality rate. Rebleeding can lead to increased intracranial pressure, worsening neurological deficits, and even death. Preventing rebleeding is a critical aspect of managing SAH to improve outcomes.
C. Decreased cerebrospinal fluid: Decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may indicate conditions such as hydrocephalus, which can complicate the management of SAH. However, it is not directly associated with a high mortality rate compared to rebleeding.
D. Use of nimodipine: Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker commonly used in the management of SAH to prevent cerebral vasospasm, which can lead to ischemia and worsen outcomes. While nimodipine plays a role in improving outcomes by preventing vasospasm, its use is not directly associated with mortality rates.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Endolymph fluid provides protection to the structures of the inner ear": Endolymph is a fluid found within the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ions necessary for proper sensory function of the auditory and vestibular systems. Endolymph helps protect the delicate sensory structures of the inner ear, including the hair cells responsible for hearing and balance.
B. "Aqueous humor provides protection to the structures of the inner ear": Aqueous humor is a clear fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye, maintaining intraocular pressure and nourishing the cornea and lens. It is not involved in protecting the structures of the inner ear.
C. "Vitreous humor provides protection to the structures of the inner ear": Vitreous humor is a gel-like substance that fills the posterior chamber of the eye, providing structural support to the eyeball and maintaining its shape. It is not associated with protecting the structures of the inner ear.
D. "Sanguineous fluid provides protection to the structures of the inner ear": Sanguineous fluid refers to blood or a blood-like fluid, which does not directly provide protection to the structures of the inner ear. While the circulatory system supplies oxygen and nutrients to the inner ear structures, blood itself does not serve as a protective fluid within the inner ear.
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