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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Open-angle glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma typically presents with increased intraocular pressure and gradual loss of peripheral vision, not with bright flashes of light and dark floating spots.

B. Macular degeneration: Macular degeneration is characterized by central vision loss, not by bright flashes of light and dark floating spots.

C. Meniere’s disease: Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. It does not typically cause bright flashes of light and dark floating spots in the visual field.

D. Retinal detachment: Trauma, such as being tackled while playing football, can lead to retinal detachment, which can manifest with symptoms such as bright flashes of light (photopsia) and dark floating spots (floaters) in the affected eye. This condition is considered a medical emergency and requires prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

A. Dopamine B. Mannitol C. Nicardipine D. Phenytoin

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Dopamine: Dopamine is a catecholamine often used to increase blood pressure and cardiac output in hypotensive states. It does not directly reduce intracranial pressure (ICP).

B. Mannitol: Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic commonly used to reduce intracranial pressure in clients with conditions such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral edema. It works by drawing fluid from brain tissue into the bloodstream, thereby reducing cerebral edema and ICP.

C. Nicardipine: Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker used primarily to lower blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies. While it can indirectly impact intracranial pressure by reducing cerebral perfusion pressure, its primary mechanism of action is not targeted at reducing ICP.

D. Phenytoin: Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication used to prevent and control seizures. While it may be indicated in clients who have experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage to prevent seizures, it does not directly reduce intracranial pressure.

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A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having cardiac tamponade. Which of the following findings indicates the presence of pulsus paradoxus?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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