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Cardiac tamponade — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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HardTraumaCardiac tamponadeMCCQE Part 1

A 30-year-old man has a stab wound to left anterior chest at 5th ICS parasternal. BP 70/40, HR 140, distended neck veins, muffled heart sounds. Most appropriate immediate intervention?

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Correct answer: B — Emergency pericardiocentesis or thoracotomy

Beck's triad (hypotension, distended neck veins, muffled heart sounds) in penetrating chest trauma = cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis temporises; thoracotomy definitive. Parasternal 5th ICS = cardiac box.

Reference: ATLS / Trauma Association of Canada