PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What are the three components of Beck's triad of cardiac tamponade?

1. Muffled heart sounds, JVD, hypotension

2. Chest pain, dyspnea, tachycardia

3. Hypotension, bradycardia, pulsus paradoxus

4. Warm extremities, arrhythmia, pallor

The correct answer is: Muffled heart sounds, JVD, hypotension

Beck's triad is a classic set of three clinical signs associated with cardiac tamponade, which is a medical emergency characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac leading to decreased cardiac output. The essential components of Beck's triad include muffled heart sounds, jugular venous distension (JVD), and hypotension. Muffled heart sounds occur because the fluid in the pericardial space dampens the acoustic transmission of the heart sounds. This is typically assessed using a stethoscope during a physical examination. Jugular venous distension happens due to increased pressure in the venous system when the heart is unable to effectively pump blood out, causing the veins to distend, particularly noticeable in the neck. Hypotension is indicative of reduced cardiac output; the heart struggles to fill and eject blood effectively due to the external pressure from the fluid accumulation. By recognizing these three components, healthcare providers can assess and identify potential cardiac tamponade quickly, which is crucial for timely management and intervention. The other sets of symptoms in the remaining options do not correlate with the classic triad associated with cardiac tamponade, making the identified components paramount in this clinical scenario.