Your examination of a newly admitted patient reveals that the patient's vital signs are pulse 68,respirations 22,temperature 37.2C,and blood pressure 130/88.You hypothesize that the pulse pressure is which of the following?

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Pulse pressure is the difference between the diastolic and systolic blood pressure (SBP)and reflects the stroke volume.It is normally about one-third the SBP.An increased pulse pressure can result from increased stroke volume (aortic regurgitation)or increased peripheral vasodilatation (fever,anemia,heat,exercise,hyperthyroidism,and arteriovenous fistula).A decreased pulse pressure can result from a decreased stroke volume (cardiac failure or tamponade,shock,and tachycardia)or increased peripheral resistance (aortic stenosis,coarctation of the aorta,and mitral stenosis or regurgitation).The formula for computing the patient's pulse pressure is: 130 - 88 = 42.

Your Examination of a Newly Admitted Patient Reveals That the Patient's