Question

A 16-year-old healthy adolescent is involved in a schoolyard gang fight and stabbed in the chest with a knife in the left midclavicular line. He is taken to the emergency department and on arrival his blood pressure is barely obtainable. His lungs are clear to auscultation. His heart sounds are barely audible. Which of the following is the most likely acute condition that may preclude his survival?

A. Myocardial contusion
B Aortic laceration
C. Pericardial tamponade
D. Endocarditis
E. Acute infarction

Answer 1

I'm pretty sure it's C. Since his heart beat is barley audible and is blood pressure is barley obtainable.

Explanation:

Cardiac tamponade puts pressure on the heart and keeps it from filling properly. The result is a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can be fatal.

Symptoms include low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.

Emergency treatment is required. Usually, a needle or small tube is used to drain excess fluid.