Question

Pericardiac tamponade can be differentiated from a tension pneumothorax by the presence of:

a) a narrowing pulse pressure
b) equal breath sounds
c) alterations in the QRS amplitude
d) jugular venous distention.

Answer 1

Pericardiac tamponade can be differentiated from a tension pneumothorax by the presence of jugular venous distention.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pericardiac tamponade can be differentiated from a tension pneumothorax by the presence of jugular venous distention. In pericardiac tamponade, excess fluid builds up within the pericardial space, putting pressure on the heart and preventing full relaxation. This leads to a backlog of blood in the veins, causing jugular venous distention. On the other hand, in a tension pneumothorax, there is an excessive amount of air in the thoracic cavity, which can cause restricted venous return and decreased blood flow to the heart, but it does not lead to jugular venous distention.