Chapter 17, Problem 2CCS

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

A male bus driver experienced a blunt trauma in the chest, after which he was brought to the emergency room. After regaining consciousness, the patient complained of epigastric, chest, and left upper quadrant pains. Upon examination, a mild tachycardia was revealed and the blood pressure was recorded as 105/75 mm Hg (millimeter of mercury). There was a rapid change in the blood pressure after a gap of 10 minutes. It was recorded as 80/55 and heart rate was 130 beats per minute (bpm). The pulse was thready, and the neck veins bulged. Sharp, tearing and stabbing pain is reported by the patient, suddenly at the injury site.

Characters in the case:

Donald Ayers.

Adequate information:

Mr. Ayer’s heart rate increases from 110 to 130 bpm and he is also diagnosed with cardiac tamponade.

To determine:

Effect of the increased heart rate from 110 to 130 bpm on the cardiac output.