Review Question - QID 212746

A 33-year-old man presents to the emergency department after he was struck by a motor vehicle. He was found unconscious and was brought in by ambulance. The patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale is 7, and his temperature is 98.0°F (36.7°C), blood pressure is 84/44 mmHg, pulse is 140/min, respirations are 22/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. The patient is given IV fluids and blood products. A FAST exam is performed as seen in Figure A. As the patient is being set up to be intubated, it is noted that his blood pressure has improved to 100/60 mmHg. The patient is subsequently intubated and mechanically ventilated. His blood pressure sharply decreases to 80/40 mmHg. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient’s hemodynamic status?