Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which symptoms are part of Beck's triad associated with pericardial tamponade?

1. Narrowing pulse pressure, JVD, and muffled heart sounds

2. High blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and fever

3. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating

4. Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting

The correct answer is: Narrowing pulse pressure, JVD, and muffled heart sounds

Beck's triad is a classic clinical finding associated with pericardial tamponade, a condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, leading to decreased cardiac output. The three hallmark symptoms of Beck's triad are narrowing pulse pressure, jugular vein distention (JVD), and muffled heart sounds. Narrowing pulse pressure occurs because the systolic blood pressure drops while the diastolic blood pressure remains relatively unchanged, resulting in a smaller difference between the two readings. This can be attributed to the heart's impaired ability to fill and pump effectively due to the external pressure from the fluid. Jugular vein distention presents as engorgement of the jugular veins and indicates increased central venous pressure, reflecting the heart's inability to accept blood properly. This signs of right heart pressure contribute to backward pressure in the venous system. Muffled heart sounds arise from the sound dampening effect of the fluid surrounding the heart, making it difficult for auscultation to capture the normal heart sounds clearly, which is an essential part of diagnosing the condition. The other options describe symptoms that do not specifically relate to pericardial tamponade: high blood pressure indicates more of a hypertension scenario, and rapid heart rate