American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What trio of symptoms is Beck's triad composed of?

1. Fever, jaundice, RUQ pain

2. JVD, muffled heart sounds, decreased BP

3. Bradycardia, hypertension, bradypnea

4. Nystagmus, staccato speech, intentional tremor

The correct answer is: JVD, muffled heart sounds, decreased BP

Beck's triad consists of a specific set of three clinical signs that are indicative of cardiac tamponade, a condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, applying pressure on the heart and impairing its ability to function properly. The presence of jugular venous distention (JVD) suggests increased central venous pressure as the heart struggles to accommodate the returning blood due to compression. Muffled heart sounds indicate that the heart is surrounded by fluid, dampening the audible sounds of normal heart function. Decreased blood pressure is a result of compromised cardiac output as the heart cannot effectively pump blood against the pressure exerted by the surrounding fluid. Collectively, these symptoms provide critical diagnostic information that prompts immediate medical intervention. Other choices represent different sets of symptoms that relate to different medical conditions but do not correspond to Beck's triad. For instance, the first choice may indicate liver function issues, while the third choice could be associated with respiratory distress or neurological concerns. The last choice reflects signs consistent with certain movement disorders. Each of these triads, while clinically significant, does not encompass the hallmark signs of cardiac tamponade that Beck's triad specifically identifies.