Final answer:
Pulsus paradoxus, hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distention are all signs of cardiac tamponade, not indications against it.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing cardiac tamponade, a condition where excess fluid within the pericardial space exerts pressure on the heart and impairs its function, it is important to be aware of its signs and symptoms. Pulsus paradoxus, hypotension, and muffled heart sounds are indeed signs of cardiac tamponade, and so is jugular venous distention. Pulsus paradoxus is characterized by a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more during inspiration and is observed by using a cuff and stethoscope to measure blood pressure. Hypotension occurs due to reduced cardiac output, and muffled heart sounds are due to the fluid insulating the heart sounds. Jugular venous distention reflects increased central venous pressure as the heart struggles to function efficiently against the fluid within the pericardium.