A 35-Year-Old Previously Healthy Man Is Brought to the Emergency

A 35-year-old previously healthy man is brought to the emergency department after being involved in a motor vehicle collision.  He was an unrestrained driver and hit his chest against the steering wheel during the collision.  When the paramedics reached him, he reported chest discomfort but was hemodynamically stable.  Shortly after arrival at the emergency department, the patient experiences worsening respiratory distress and becomes hypotensive.  On physical examination, the patient appears anxious and is tachycardic and tachypneic.  The trachea is midline; the jugular veins are distended.  The anterior chest wall is bruised and tender to palpation.  Vesicular breath sounds are present bilaterally.  The abdomen is soft and nontender.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's clinical deterioration?

A) Aortic rupture
B) Cardiac tamponade
C) Diaphragmatic rupture
D) Hemothorax
E) Tension pneumothorax

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free