Which of the following is a key finding that differentiates cardiac tamponade from tension pneumothorax?

The key finding that differentiates cardiac tamponade from tension pneumothorax is equal breath sounds. Cardiac tamponade involves fluid accumulation in the pericardial space, which can lead to muffled heart sounds, but typically does not affect breath sounds significantly. This means that the breath sounds may remain equal on both sides of the chest during auscultation, as the primary issue is related to the cardiac function rather than airway or lung function.

In contrast, tension pneumothorax often leads to a shift of the mediastinal structures and can result in decreased breath sounds on the affected side due to lung collapse. This difference in breath sounds is a critical assessment finding when determining the cause of respiratory distress or compromised hemodynamics in a trauma patient.

Recognizing this distinction is essential for appropriate and timely treatment, as the clinical management for each condition varies significantly.