A 65-Year-Old Man Is Evaluated for Hypotension and Increasing Shortness

A 65-year-old man is evaluated for hypotension and increasing shortness of breath shortly after placement of a right-sided subclavian central venous catheter.  The patient was recently diagnosed with colon cancer without metastasis and is scheduled for surgical resection.  Blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg, pulse is 110/min, and respirations are 24/min.  Examination shows jugular venous distension.  Breath sounds are decreased on the right and the trachea is deviated to the left.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's hypotension?

A) Decreased intravascular volume
B) Decreased systemic vascular resistance
C) Decreased venous return
D) Impaired baroreceptor reflex
E) Increased intrapericardial pressure

Correct Answer:

Verified

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

Access For Free