Pulsus paradoxus is examined by taking the patient's blood pressure and determining the difference between the point at which the first systolic sound is heard and the point at which
a. the sounds become muted.
b. the diastolic sounds are heard.
c. all sounds disappear.
d. all systolic sounds are heard regardless of respirations.
D
Pulsus paradoxus is examined by placing the patient in the supine position. Apply the blood pressure cuff and inflate the cuff to 20 mm Hg above the patient's last systolic blood pressure reading. Slowly deflate the cuff until the first systolic sound is heard. Observe the patient's respirations because the systolic sound may disappear during normal inspiration. Slowly deflate the cuff again and note the point at which all of the systolic sounds are heard regardless of respirations. The difference between the first systolic sound and the point at which all the systolic sounds are heard is the paradox. The paradox should be less than or equal to 10 mm Hg.
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