When assessing the patient with pericardial effusion, the nurse will assess for pulsus paradoxus. Pulsus paradoxus is characterized by what assessment finding?

Question

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Systolic blood pressure that is markedly lower during inhalation is called pulsus paradoxus. The difference in systolic pressure between the point that is heard during exhalation and the point that is
heard during inhalation is measured. Pulsus paradoxus exceeding $10 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$ is abnormal.

When Assessing the Patient with Pericardial Effusion, the Nurse Will