Beck's triad includes which of the following components?

• A. Pulsus paradoxus
• B. Elevated BNP
• C. Hypotension, Elevated JVP, Distant/muffled heart sounds
• D. Chest pain only

Answer: (C)

Beck's triad signals cardiac tamponade from a pericardial effusion. It consists of hypotension, elevated jugular venous pressure, and distant or muffled heart sounds. Hypotension happens because the accumulating fluid prevents the heart from filling properly, reducing stroke volume and cardiac output. Elevated JVP occurs as back pressure builds in the venous system when the heart’s filling is impeded. Distant or muffled heart sounds come from the fluid surrounding the heart, which dampens the sounds heard with a stethoscope. Pulsus paradoxus can occur with tamponade but is not part of the classic triad. Elevated BNP and chest pain alone don’t define tamponade.