North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is Beck's Triad associated with?

1. Pneumothorax diagnosis

2. Cardiac Tamponade

3. Rib fractures

4. Internal bleeding

The correct answer is: Cardiac Tamponade

Beck's Triad is a clinical syndrome that is specifically associated with cardiac tamponade, a condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, putting pressure on the heart and impairing its ability to pump effectively. The triad consists of three classic signs: hypotension (low blood pressure), muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension. These signs are indicative of the heart's compromised function due to the external pressure created by the fluid accumulation in the pericardium. Each component of Beck's Triad serves to highlight the physiological changes that occur during cardiac tamponade. The hypotension results from reduced cardiac output, muffled heart sounds can be attributed to the barrier created by the fluid around the heart, and jugular venous distension occurs due to impaired venous return as the right atrium struggles to fill. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention in patients with suspected cardiac tamponade. In contrast, the other options refer to different medical conditions that do not align with the specific signs outlined in Beck's Triad.