Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

What condition is denoted by Beck's triad?

1. Acute renal failure

2. Pericardial tamponade

3. Acute respiratory distress syndrome

4. Septic shock

The correct answer is: Pericardial tamponade

Beck's triad is a clinical sign associated specifically with pericardial tamponade. It comprises three classic findings: hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension. Understanding the significance of these components is critical in diagnosing pericardial tamponade, a condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, leading to increased pressure on the heart and impaired cardiac filling. Hypotension in this context occurs due to reduced blood flow from the heart due to the restricted filling. Muffled heart sounds can be attributed to the fluid dampening the acoustics of heart sounds during auscultation. Jugular venous distension results from increased venous pressure due to impaired cardiac output, causing blood to back up in the venous system. The presence of these three clinical features is key for clinicians when assessing patients for this potentially life-threatening condition.