An individual is struck in the left ventricle with a low-velocity projectile. As compared to high-velocity penetrating trauma, you should have a higher index of suspicion for:
A) ventricular rupture.
B) pericardial tamponade.
C) simple penetrating injury.
D) blunt cardiac injury.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Low-velocity penetrating trauma to the left ventricle is more likely to cause pericardial tamponade, as the lower energy of the projectile may not fully penetrate the ventricle but instead create pressure on the surrounding tissue, leading to fluid accumulation in the pericardial space. High-velocity penetrating trauma is more likely to cause ventricular rupture or simple penetrating injury. Blunt cardiac injury refers to non-penetrating trauma, and is not relevant to this scenario.

An Individual Is Struck in the Left Ventricle with a Low-Velocity