Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a classic sign of Beck's Triad?

1. Narrowed pulse pressure

2. Jugular Vein Distension

3. Muffled heart tones

4. Decreased respiratory rate

The correct answer is: Decreased respiratory rate

Beck's Triad is a clinical syndrome associated with cardiac tamponade, featuring three classic signs: jugular vein distension, muffled heart tones, and hypotension, which can manifest as a narrowed pulse pressure. These signs result from the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, affecting the heart's ability to pump effectively and thus leading to decreased stroke volume and tachycardia or bradycardia. The decreased respiratory rate is not a classic sign of Beck's Triad. While respiratory rate can be affected in various medical conditions due to factors like hypoxia or respiratory distress, it is not one of the hallmark indicators of cardiac tamponade. Patients may experience variable respiratory patterns; hence this sign does not specifically correlate with the fluid accumulation in the pericardial space that characterizes Beck's Triad. Understanding the components of Beck's Triad is vital for diagnosing conditions such as cardiac tamponade quickly, as timely intervention is crucial for patient outcomes.