A 32-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office Due to Progressive

A 32-year-old man comes to the office due to progressive dyspnea, dizziness, and chest discomfort.  He has no prior medical problems but had a mild respiratory illness 2 weeks earlier that resolved spontaneously.  His father has a history of myocardial infarction.  Echocardiography shows pericardial fluid accumulation with late diastolic collapse of the right atrium.  Which of the following physical examination findings is most likely to be seen in this patient?

A) Beat-to-beat variation in pulse amplitude
B) Drop in pulse amplitude during inspiration
C) Pulse with 2 distinct peaks
D) Rapidly rising pulse with high amplitude
E) Slow-rising low-amplitude pulse

Correct Answer:

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