Question

Distended jugular veins, narrowing pulse pressure, and muffled heart sounds are seen in which of the following conditions?

A.) Tension pneumothorax
B.) Cardiac tamponade
C.) Traumatic asphyxia
D.) Commotio cordis

Answer 1

Distended jugular veins, narrowing pulse pressure, and muffled heart sounds are indicative of cardiac tamponade, a condition caused by excess fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity, impeding the heart's ability to relax and fill with blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

Distended jugular veins, narrowing pulse pressure, and muffled heart sounds are clinical signs typically associated with cardiac tamponade. This condition occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the pericardial cavity, which puts pressure on the heart and prevents it from fully relaxing and filling with blood. As a result, the heart's chambers hold less blood and, over time, less blood is ejected from the heart during each heartbeat. Rapid accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, even as little as 100 mL following trauma, can trigger cardiac tamponade. Other common causes include myocardial rupture, pericarditis, cancer, or cardiac surgery. Treatment often requires the insertion of drainage tubes into the pericardial cavity to remove the excess fluid.

Common Causes of Cardiac Tamponade

Myocardial rupture

Pericarditis

Cancer

Cardiac surgery