Which finding is NOT part of Beck's Triad in cardiac tamponade?

Which finding is NOT part of Beck's Triad in cardiac tamponade?

• A. Distended neck veins
• B. Hypotension
• C. Muffled heart tones
• D. Elevated neck pulse pressure

Answer: (D)

Beck's triad reflects the classic hemodynamic picture of cardiac tamponade: hypotension from reduced preload, distended neck veins from impaired venous return, and muffled heart sounds from fluid in the pericardial sac dampening auscultation. The elevated neck pulse pressure isn’t part of this triad; in tamponade, the pulse pressure is typically narrowed because systolic pressure falls while diastolic pressure remains relatively higher. Additionally, pulsus paradoxus can be present but is not a component of Beck’s triad. So the finding that does not fit the triad is an elevated neck pulse pressure.

Beck's triad reflects the classic hemodynamic picture of cardiac tamponade: hypotension from reduced preload, distended neck veins from impaired venous return, and muffled heart sounds from fluid in the pericardial sac dampening auscultation. The elevated neck pulse pressure isn’t part of this triad; in tamponade, the pulse pressure is typically narrowed because systolic pressure falls while diastolic pressure remains relatively higher. Additionally, pulsus paradoxus can be present but is not a component of Beck’s triad. So the finding that does not fit the triad is an elevated neck pulse pressure.