A narrow pulse pressure is most commonly associated with which condition?

• A. Head Injury
• B. Hypertension
• C. Fever
• D. Hypoperfusion

Answer: (D)

Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A narrow pulse pressure means this gap is small, which typically reflects reduced cardiac output and poor tissue perfusion. In states of hypoperfusion or shock, the heart can’t eject much blood, so systolic pressure drops while diastolic pressure may stay the same or rise, narrowing the pulse pressure. Among the given options, this pattern best fits hypoperfusion.

Head injury can affect BP but isn’t defined by a narrow pulse pressure. Hypertension often shows a wider pulse pressure, not narrower. Fever raises heart rate but doesn’t reliably produce a narrowed pulse pressure.