Penetrating Cardiac Tamponade — FRCA Final MCQ

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HardTrauma & Emergency AnaesthesiaPenetrating Cardiac TamponadeFRCA Final

Left chest stab wound 5th ICS: hypotension, JVD, muffled heart sounds. Immediate treatment?

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Correct answer: A — Pericardiocentesis or emergency thoracotomy

Beck's triad + penetrating chest = cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis (USS-guided, temporising) or emergency thoracotomy (definitive for penetrating cardiac injury with signs of life). Don't delay for imaging.

Reference: ATLS – 2018 – Thoracic trauma; RCEM – 2023 – Emergency thoracotomy