Which sign is commonly associated with cardiac tamponade?

• A. Pulmonary crackles
• B. Hypotension
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Jugular venous distension

Answer: (D)

When the heart is compressed by fluid in the pericardial sac, its filling is restricted and output drops. That back-pressure raises the pressure in the systemic venous system, so the jugular veins become visibly distended as blood backs up from the right atrium. This makes Jugular venous distension a classic sign of cardiac tamponade. While low blood pressure can occur because the heart isn’t pumping effectively, the neck vein distension is a more specific clue to tamponade. The other signs listed—crackles, and bradycardia—don’t typically reflect the underlying venous congestion pattern seen with tamponade.