After surgery for a cardiac valve replacement, a patient becomes hypotensive and tachycardic. The heart sounds are muffled, and the central venous pressure and left atrial pressure are elevated and equal. This patient is experiencing _____ shock.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are indicative of cardiac tamponade, which is a form of obstructive shock. The muffled heart sounds, elevated and equal central venous and left atrial pressures, along with hypotension and tachycardia, are classic signs of this condition.

After Surgery for a Cardiac Valve Replacement, a Patient Becomes