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Cardiac tamponade — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardCardiovascular emergenciesCardiac tamponadeRCPSC EM

A 58-year-old receiving chemotherapy presents with severe dyspnoea and presyncope. BP is 78/50 mmHg, JVP is elevated, heart sounds are quiet, and pulsus paradoxus is present. The resuscitation bay has ultrasound immediately available. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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

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Correct answer: C — Bedside cardiac ultrasound

Bedside cardiac ultrasound is correct: the clues indicate Cardiac tamponade and this option addresses the immediate ED priority. The distractors delay care, target a less likely problem, or are unsafe in this physiology.

Reference: CAEP POCUS practice; ACLS principles