What cardiovascular signs are indicative of aortic regurgitation?

Aortic regurgitation is characterized by specific cardiovascular findings resulting from backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. The correct choice highlights "bounding pulses" and a "diastolic murmur," both of which are classic signs associated with this condition.

Bounding pulses occur due to the wide pulse pressure created by the elevated stroke volume (from the regurgitant flow) combined with a reduced diastolic pressure from the volume overload in the left ventricle. This can lead to a feeling of a strong pulse that can be easily palpated in the peripheral arteries.

The diastolic murmur in aortic regurgitation is typically a high-pitched, blowing sound heard best along the left sternal border. It results from turbulent blood flow as the blood leaks back into the ventricle during diastole. These findings, combined, provide important clinical clues that suggest the presence of aortic regurgitation.

Other options present symptoms and signs that are either nonspecific or relate to different cardiovascular conditions. For instance, palpitations and chest pain may occur in various cardiac conditions but do not specifically point to aortic regurgitation. Bradycardia and cyanosis are more suggestive