skip to main content

Traumatic cardiac tamponade — ABEM Board MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardTraumaTraumatic cardiac tamponadeABEM Board

A 40-year-old man arrives as ESI 1 after a stab wound to the left chest. BP 74/40, HR 132, muffled heart sounds, distended neck veins, and narrow pulse pressure are present. FAST shows pericardial fluid. Which of the following is the most important immediate intervention?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Emergency thoracotomy or pericardial decompression

Penetrating trauma with obstructive shock and pericardial fluid indicates traumatic tamponade requiring immediate operative decompression.

Reference: ATLS 10th edition; EAST penetrating thoracic trauma guidance