A 49-Year-Old Man, Who Is in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit

A 49-year-old man, who is in the post-anesthesia care unit recovering from cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation, is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath.  The symptoms started suddenly while he was resting and have been rapidly getting worse.  The patient has no other medical history.  Blood pressure is 74/32 mm Hg, pulse is 140/min, and respirations are 30/min.  Pulse oximetry is 92% on room air.  On examination, the patient is diaphoretic and appears distressed.  He has distant heart sounds and the jugular veins are distended.  The lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally.  ECG shows sinus tachycardia and low-amplitude QRS complexes.  Which of the following hemodynamic changes are most likely present in this patient?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) E

Correct Answer:

Verified

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

Access For Free