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Cardiac tamponade — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardCardiovascular emergenciesCardiac tamponadeRCPSC EM

CTAS 1. A 36-year-old is brought after a stab wound near the sternum. BP is 74/40 mmHg, HR 132, JVP is distended, breath sounds are equal, and heart sounds are muffled. eFAST shows a pericardial effusion with right ventricular diastolic collapse. Chest x-ray shows no pneumothorax. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: B — Cardiac tamponade

Penetrating precordial trauma with obstructive shock, JVP elevation, muffled heart sounds, and sonographic chamber collapse is cardiac tamponade.

Reference: ATLS Student Course Manual; Canadian Emergency Ultrasound Society resources