Paramedic National Registry Practice

If a patient has JVD and clear, equal lung sounds, what is the likely cause?

1. Pneumothorax

2. Congestive Heart Failure

3. Pericardial Tamponade

4. Asthma Attack

The correct answer is: Pericardial Tamponade

In this scenario, the presence of jugular venous distension (JVD) alongside clear and equal lung sounds is indicative of fluid overload or increased central venous pressure, which can occur in conditions affecting the heart's function. Among the options provided, pericardial tamponade is the most fitting cause. Pericardial tamponade occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, exerting pressure on the heart and preventing it from filling adequately. This condition can lead to elevated jugular venous pressure due to the compromised venous return to the heart, resulting in JVD. However, since the lungs are not compromised, clear and equal lung sounds are often present, as there is no pulmonary congestion or fluid accumulation in the lung tissue itself, which would typically lead to crackles or decreased breath sounds. Other conditions, while they may involve JVD, could present with different lung sound characteristics. For example, congestive heart failure often leads to congestion and fluid in the lungs, resulting in abnormal lung sounds. Similarly, pneumothorax typically produces altered breath sounds due to collapsed lung segments, and an asthma attack would lead to wheezing rather than clear lung sounds. Thus, the combination of JVD