Which physical examination finding is most characteristic of severe aortic stenosis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Pulsus parvus et tardus and crescendo-decrescendo systolic ejection murmur
- Step 1: Aortic stenosis is characterized by a slow-rising, delayed carotid pulse (pulsus parvus et tardus) and a harsh crescendo-decrescendo systolic ejection murmur radiating to the right second intercostal space and carotids, with soft or absent aortic second sound ().
Answer
Pulsus parvus et tardus and crescendo-decrescendo systolic ejection murmur.
Why not the others: 'Water-hammer pulse' is characteristic of chronic aortic regurgitation; 'Opening snap followed by mid-diastolic murmur' describes mitral stenosis; 'Holosystolic murmur radiating to the left axilla' is classic for mitral regurgitation.
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