Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What are the symptoms of pericardial tamponade?

1. High blood pressure and fast pulse

2. Low blood pressure, muffled heart sounds, and weak pulse

3. Severe chest pain and shortness of breath

4. Racing heartbeat and dizziness

The correct answer is: Low blood pressure, muffled heart sounds, and weak pulse

Pericardial tamponade is a medical condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, leading to increased pressure on the heart and impairing its ability to pump effectively. The classic symptoms associated with this condition include low blood pressure, muffled heart sounds, and a weak pulse. Low blood pressure occurs because the heart is unable to fill properly due to the pressure from the fluid, leading to reduced cardiac output. Muffled heart sounds can be heard upon auscultation, as the fluid dampens the sounds produced by the heart. A weak pulse results from inadequate blood flow being generated by the compromised heart function. Other options do not reflect the typical presentation of pericardial tamponade. For example, high blood pressure and a fast pulse would not occur, as this condition leads to hypotension due to impaired heart activity. Severe chest pain and shortness of breath might be seen in a variety of cardiac conditions but are not specific indicators of pericardial tamponade. Similarly, a racing heartbeat and dizziness can occur in many other situations but do not capture the critical triad of symptoms that characterize this particular emergency. Understanding these nuances is vital for accurate assessment and timely intervention in patients presenting with signs of peric