Which signs comprise Beck's Triad associated with cardiac tamponade?

Which signs comprise Beck's Triad associated with cardiac tamponade?

• A. Chest pain, fever, diaphoresis
• B. Muffled heart sounds, narrowing pulse pressure, and JVD
• C. Dilated pupils, hypotension, tachycardia
• D. Absent breath sounds with tracheal deviation

Answer: (B)

Beck's Triad reflects the hemodynamic effects of cardiac tamponade: decreased filling of the heart leads to hypotension with a narrowed pulse pressure, while venous return backs up, causing jugular venous distension, and the surrounding effusion muffles heart sounds. The described signs—muffled heart sounds, narrowed pulse pressure, and jugular venous distension—fit this triad best, indicating tamponade. The other options point to different emergencies: signs of myocardial infarction, tension pneumothorax, or nonspecific shock, respectively.

Beck's Triad reflects the hemodynamic effects of cardiac tamponade: decreased filling of the heart leads to hypotension with a narrowed pulse pressure, while venous return backs up, causing jugular venous distension, and the surrounding effusion muffles heart sounds. The described signs—muffled heart sounds, narrowed pulse pressure, and jugular venous distension—fit this triad best, indicating tamponade. The other options point to different emergencies: signs of myocardial infarction, tension pneumothorax, or nonspecific shock, respectively.