Beck’s triad includes which of the following symptoms?

Beck’s triad is a classic clinical syndrome associated with cardiac tamponade, which is the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space leading to compromised heart function. The triad consists of narrowing pulse pressure, hypotension, and jugular venous distension (JVD).

Narrowing pulse pressure indicates a significant difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, often seen in states of shock or reduced stroke volume, reflecting the heart’s reduced ability to fill and eject blood effectively. Hypotension, another key component, demonstrates the overall low blood pressure typical in cardiac tamponade, where the heart struggles to maintain adequate circulation. Jugular venous distension occurs due to increased pressure in the right atrium from impaired venous return as the heart cannot expand properly due to fluid accumulation.

Other options represent different medical conditions or do not align with the defining features of Beck’s triad. Understanding these concepts helps clarify how specific symptoms correlate with clinical conditions like cardiac tamponade and enhances your ability to assess and manage patients effectively.