A 50yo man has a stab wound to his left anterior chest at the level of the 4th ICS. He has a BP
80mmHg, pulse=130bpm. His neck veins are dilated and his heart sounds are faint. His trachea is
central. What is the most appropriate dx?
a. Cardiac tamponade
b. Diaphragmatic rupture
c. Fractured ribs
d. Tension pneumothorax
e. Traumatic rupture of aorta Q. 1. What is the Key?
Q. What are the points in favour of your answer?
Ans. 1. Theakey is Cardiac tempoade.
Ans. 2. Points in favour: i) Systolic BP 80 mmHg ii) Pulse 130 bpm iii) Engorged neck vein iv) Faint heart sounds v) Trachea is central.