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How can you distinguish the jugular venous pulse (JVP) from the carotid arterial pulse?

 

JVP CAROTID
Waveform Double Single
Positional change Varies with position No variation
Respiration Descends with inspiration No variation
Effect of palpation Impulse non-palpable, pressure occludes pulse and vein refills from above Impulse palpable and non-compressible
Abdominal pressure (hepatojugular reflux) Elevates pulse No change

 

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