Surgery MCQ 27

Which of the following statements about cardiac tamponade is/are correct?

A. At least 500 ml. of fluid must be present in the pericardium of an adult to cause symptoms of tamponade.

B. A drop in systemic blood pressure of greater than 20 mm. Hg during inspiration (pulsus paradoxus) is a finding specific to cardiac tamponade.

C. The vast majority of patients with cardiac tamponade demonstrate a low QRS voltage, nonspecific ST T-wave abnormalities, and electrical alternans (alternation of QRS amplitude) on the electrocardiogram.

D. In trauma victims with cardiac tamponade, the three components of “Beck's triad” (hypotension, elevated jugular venous pressure (JVP), and muffled heart sounds) are almost always present.

E. When the diagnosis is made, treatment must be instituted rapidly and may include pericardiocentesis, creation of a pericardial window, and identification and treatment of the underlying cause.

Answer

Category: Surgery MCQs