Chapter 17, Problem 3CCS

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

A patient, Donald Ayers, experienced a blunt trauma and was brought to the emergency room in an unconscious state. After regaining consciousness and complained of chest, epigastric and left upper quadrant pain. 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:

After regaining consciousness, the patient complained of chest pains, and is diagnosed with fractured ribs, an enlarged mediastinum and pericardial effusion which cause cardiac tamponade.

To determine:

With the concept of the end-diastolic volume, the effect of the fluid in the pericardium on the stroke volume.