Which statement about jugular pulsation is true?

Which statement about jugular pulsation is true?

• A. Pulsation is eliminated by light pressure
• B. It is palpable
• C. It is outward deflected
• D. It does not change with position

Answer: (A)

Jugular venous pulsation is a venous pulse that reflects right atrial pressure and is seen as a visible, nonpalpable neck pulsation. A key bedside distinction is that a light touch over the neck can collapse the external jugular vein and erase the visible pulse. Veins are collapsible and low-pressure, so gentle pressure stops the pulsation, whereas an arterial pulse like the carotid remains detectable under light pressure. The pulsation changes with position, so raising the head or changing angle can reduce or abolish it, and it is not something you can typically feel as a true pulse. Therefore, the statement that pulsation is eliminated by light pressure is the true one.

Jugular venous pulsation is a venous pulse that reflects right atrial pressure and is seen as a visible, nonpalpable neck pulsation. A key bedside distinction is that a light touch over the neck can collapse the external jugular vein and erase the visible pulse. Veins are collapsible and low-pressure, so gentle pressure stops the pulsation, whereas an arterial pulse like the carotid remains detectable under light pressure. The pulsation changes with position, so raising the head or changing angle can reduce or abolish it, and it is not something you can typically feel as a true pulse. Therefore, the statement that pulsation is eliminated by light pressure is the true one.