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Cardiac tamponade — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular emergenciesCardiac tamponadeABEM Board

A 29-year-old man is brought in after a stab wound near the left sternal border. Triage acuity is ESI 1; BP 82/50 mm Hg, HR 132/min, RR 28/min. He has distended neck veins, muffled heart sounds, and clear lungs. FAST shows a pericardial effusion with right atrial collapse. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Cardiac tamponade

Hypotension, jugular venous distention, muffled heart sounds, and pericardial fluid with chamber collapse indicate tamponade.

Reference: ATLS trauma guidance; ACEP Acute Blunt Trauma policy