Which finding is most consistent with blunt cardiac injury?

Which finding is most consistent with blunt cardiac injury?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Distended neck veins
• C. Normal heart sounds
• D. Clear lungs

Answer: (B)

Jugular venous distension signals elevated central venous pressure from impaired heart filling, which fits blunt cardiac injury when pericardial tamponade develops after chest trauma. In tamponade, increased pericardial pressure prevents the heart from filling effectively, backing up blood into the venous system and causing neck veins to appear distended. This finding is more specific to this injury pattern than hypotension alone (which can come from many injuries), normal heart sounds (can occur early), or clear lungs (not specific and can occur with isolated cardiac involvement). Recognizing JVD in the trauma setting should raise concern for tamponade and prompt rapid evaluation and management.

Jugular venous distension signals elevated central venous pressure from impaired heart filling, which fits blunt cardiac injury when pericardial tamponade develops after chest trauma. In tamponade, increased pericardial pressure prevents the heart from filling effectively, backing up blood into the venous system and causing neck veins to appear distended. This finding is more specific to this injury pattern than hypotension alone (which can come from many injuries), normal heart sounds (can occur early), or clear lungs (not specific and can occur with isolated cardiac involvement). Recognizing JVD in the trauma setting should raise concern for tamponade and prompt rapid evaluation and management.