Check the central venous pressure to assess for hypovolemia. Echocardiography may be required for definitive diagnosis. The treatment is pericardiocentesis. Tamponade is exceedingly rare with blunt trauma. Cardiac contusion is diagnosed by decreased blood pressure and cardiac output, increased systemic vascular resistance, and a normal to increased central venous pressure.
Treatment is with inotropic agents.
Tension Pneumothorax can mimic cardiogenic shock. A flap-valve type injury allows air to enter the pleural space, but not escape. The lung collapses and the mediastinum shifts to the opposite side. Venous return is impaired and causes a fall in the cardiac output. Tension pneumothorax is a surgical emergency.