What describes pulsus paradoxus?

Pulsus paradoxus is characterized by a decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration. When taking a breath in, the negative pressure generated in the chest can lead to an increased venous return to the heart, which typically causes the right ventricle to fill more with blood. However, in conditions such as cardiac tamponade or severe asthma, this filling can lead to a reduction in left ventricular output, resulting in a notable drop in the systolic blood pressure during the inspiratory phase.

This phenomenon is essential for clinicians to recognize, as it can be indicative of significant underlying pathology such as cardiac tampering or severe respiratory distress. Monitoring blood pressure changes during the respiratory cycle can provide valuable insights into a patient's hemodynamic status. Understanding pulsus paradoxus can ultimately assist FNPs in making more informed diagnostic and management decisions in patients with suspected or known cardiac or pulmonary conditions.