The ambulance is called for an assaulted patient.While transporting the patient to the hospital,the EMT notes the patient's jugular veins are flat (nondistended).Which of these is most likely the cause of this finding?
A) Closed head injury
B) Blood loss
C) Blood collecting around the heart in the pericardial sac
D) High blood pressure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Flat jugular veins indicate a decrease in blood volume, which could be caused by blood loss. Closed head injury or high blood pressure would not directly affect jugular vein distension. Pericardial tamponade, which would cause jugular vein distension, would present with other symptoms such as muffled heart sounds and low blood pressure.

The Ambulance Is Called for an Assaulted Patient