A client who has been diagnosed with obstructive shock due to cardiac tamponade is demonstrating pulsus paradoxus upon assessment. Which best describes this abnormality?
a. The pulse on the right side of the body is more intense than on the left side of the body
b. A decrease in systolic blood pressure by more than 10mmHg during inspiration
c. Alternating weak and strong pulses upon palpation
d. Rapid pulse when the client breathes in but slowing pulse when the client breathes out
b. A decrease in systolic blood pressure by more than 10mmHg during inspiration
rationale: "A decrease in systolic blood pressure by more than 10mmHg during inspiration" is correct. Pulsus paradoxus is an abnormal phenomenon that is a characteristic sign of cardiac tamponade. It occurs when the client demonstrates a decrease in systolic blood pressure of more than 10 mmHg while taking in a breath. Pulsus paradoxus is best detected by using a blood pressure cuff, but a severe case may also be detected by noting changes in the radial pulse as the client breathes in and out.
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