The patient’s presentation of hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and a history of chest trauma is classic for cardiac tamponade. This condition occurs when blood accumulates in the pericardial sac, leading to increased intrapericardial pressure that restricts cardiac filling, causing obstructive shock. The key clinical triad (Beck’s triad) includes hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and elevated jugular venous pressure. Immediate diagnosis and intervention, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical pericardial window, are critical to prevent hemodynamic collapse. Unlike tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade specifically alters heart sounds and filling without causing tracheal deviation or unilateral breath sounds.

Reference: Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine, Judith E. Tintinalli, 9th Edition.