An RT attempts to take the blood pressure of the patient in question 42.The RT notes that the pulse intensity determined from palpation of the radial artery decreases during inspiration.The most likely explanation for this would be:

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because of the high airway resistance caused by the asthma exacerbation, the intrathoracic pressure decreases abnormally during patient inspiration. This results in decreased cardiac filling, decreased blood pressure, and decreased pulse intensity during inspiration. This is an example of pulsus paradoxus.

An RT Attempts to Take the Blood Pressure of the Patient