The pulsus paradoxus that occurs as a result of pericardial effusion is caused by a dysfunction in which mechanism?
A) Diastolic filling pressures of the right ventricle and reduction of blood volume in both ventricles
B) Blood ejected from the right atrium and reduction of blood volume in the right ventricle
C) Blood ejected from the left atrium and reduction of blood volume in the left ventricle
D) Diastolic filling pressures of the left ventricle and reduction of blood volume in all four heart chambers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulsus paradoxus means that the arterial blood pressure during expiration exceeds arterial pressure during inspiration by more than 10 mm Hg.This clinical finding reflects impairment of diastolic filling of the left ventricle plus a reduction of blood volume within all four cardiac chambers.This selection is the only option that accurately describes the mechanism.

The Pulsus Paradoxus That Occurs as a Result of Pericardial