A post-operative cardiac surgical patient developed sudden hypotension, raised central venous pressure, pulsus paradoxus at the 4th post operative hour. The most probable diagnosis is:: (A) Excessive mediastinal bleeding, (B) Ventricular dysfunction, (C) Congestive cardiac failure, (D) Cardiac tamponade
Answer is D. Answer is D (Cardiac tamponade) Features of rising pressure, falling aerial pressure and pulsus paradoxus following surgery on the hea leads us to the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade.