Chapter 17, Problem 4CCS

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

In an accident, a male bus driver suffered blunt trauma to the chest and was brought to the emergency room. The patient was unconscious and after regaining consciousness complained of the left upper quadrant, chest, and epigastric pain. Upon further examination, tachycardia (110 beats per minute) and blood pressure of 105/675 was observed. After a while, there was a sudden rapid drop in the blood pressure. This is accompanied by muffled heart sounds, bulging neck veins, and thready pulse. After this, the patient suddenly complains of pain in the injury site.

Characters in the case:

Donald Ayers.

Adequate information:

The sudden drop in the blood pressure accompanied by muffled sounds in the heart and thread pulse is observed.

To determine:

The changes in the EDV (end-diastolic volume) resulting in muffled heart sounds, which are quieter and less distinct.