A patient presents to ER after RTA, what is the best way to differentiate cardiac tamponade from Tension Pneumothorax?: (A) Presence of Breath Sounds, (B) Raised JVP, (C) Tracheal Shift, (D) Increased Heart Rate
Answer is A. Ans. (a) Presence of Breath SoundsRef: ATLS Guidelines 10th Edition Page 69* Tension pneumothorax, particularly on the left side, can mimic same line cardiac tamponade.* Because of the similarity in their signs like muffled heart sounds, Raised JVP and Dilated neck veins, tension pneumothorax can initially be confused with cardiac tamponade.* The presence of hyperresonance on percussion indicates tension pneumothorax, whereas the presence of bilateral breath sounds indicates cardiac tamponade.