11-04-2009, 04:56 PM
44. A 57-year-old hospitalized man undergoes right subclavian venous catheterization for hyperalimentation. He is currently being treated for a small bowel fistula. While the results of an x-ray film of the chest to check the catheter position are pending, the patient suddenly becomes agitated. His blood pressure is 70150 mm Hg, and pulse is 1101min. Examination shows jugular venous distention. The lungs are clear to auscultation. Breath sounds are equal bilaterally. The trachea is midline. An x-ray film of the chest shows a catheter in the superior vena cava, transversing the right ventricle and crossing to the left of the midline. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's hypotension?
O A) Air embolism
O B) Pericardial tamponade
O C) Pulmonary artery perforation
O D) Staphylococcal bacteremia
O E) Tension pneumothorax
is it A or B
O A) Air embolism
O B) Pericardial tamponade
O C) Pulmonary artery perforation
O D) Staphylococcal bacteremia
O E) Tension pneumothorax
is it A or B
