The therapist is monitoring a patient in the CICU with a cardiac abnormality. They notice a narrowing pulse pressure. Which of the following could result?
I. A low stroke volume
II. Increased cardiac output
III. Poor ventricular function
IV. Impaired venous return

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A narrowing of pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure) below 10 to 15 mm Hg is suggestive of a low stroke volume, which may be due to poor ventricular function, impaired venous return (e.g., due a fluid collection around the heart), hypovolemia, or loss of atrioventricular synchrony, among other reasons.

The Therapist Is Monitoring a Patient in the CICU with a Cardiac