Answer 3 Pulsus paradoxus. Pulsus paradoxus is an exaggeration of the normal decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration and is an important sign in identifying cardiac tamponade. It is formally defined as an inspiratory decrease in systolic blood pressure greater than 10 mm Hg. Kussmaul’s sign is associated with constrictive pericarditis or restrictive cardiomyopathy. Phalen’s sign is seen in carpal tunnel syndrome. Chvostek’s sign is seen in patients with hypocalcemia. Click here to return to the questions

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