Ace the Cardiac Vascular Nursing Exam 2025 – Pump Up Your Success!

Aortic stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the aortic valve, which impedes blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta during systole. One of the hallmark signs associated with this condition is pulsus parvus et tardus. This term refers to the diminished (parvus) amplitude of the pulse and a delayed (tardus) upstroke in the peripheral pulse. The reduced stroke volume due to the narrowed valve leads to a weaker pulse that is slower to rise, making it a significant clinical finding in patients with aortic stenosis.

In contrast, a gallop rhythm often indicates heart failure or volume overload but is not specifically tied to aortic stenosis. Pulsus alternans, characterized by alternating strong and weak pulses, is generally seen in conditions such as heart failure. Divided pulse is not commonly associated with aortic stenosis and would likely refer to phenomena seen in conditions affecting peripheral circulation rather than the primary pathophysiology of aortic stenosis.