When Assessing the Patient with Pericardial Effusion, the Nurse Will

Multiple Choice

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

A) A diastolic blood pressure that is lower during exhalation
B) A diastolic blood pressure that is higher during inhalation
C) A systolic blood pressure that is higher during exhalation
D) A systolic blood pressure that is lower during inhalation