Question

A 24-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. He is hypotensive and tachycardic with distended neck veins and muffled heart sounds. Lung fields are clear. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Perform pericardiocentesis

Answer

Obtain CT scan of the chest

Answer

Administer large fluid bolus and observe

Answer

Start vasopressors and delay intervention

Answer

Place a chest tube for presumed pneumothorax

Practice question

A 24-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. He is hypotensive and tachycardic with distended neck veins and muffled heart sounds. Lung fields are clear. What is the most appropriate immediate management?