Final answer:
The answer to the question is C. cardiac tamponade. Beck's triad is a collection of three clinical signs that suggest the presence of cardiac tamponade, a condition requiring immediate medical attention due to fluid accumulation around the heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beck's triad consists of three primary signs: low arterial blood pressure, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds. This trio of signs suggests an accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, which in turn creates pressure on the heart and hampers its ability to function properly. When blood or excess fluid builds up between the heart muscle and the pericardium (the outer covering of the heart), this increased pressure prevents the heart chambers from filling fully with blood.
This scenario can reduce cardiac output and lead to a state of obstructive shock, a serious condition as the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Immediate medical intervention is usually required, which can include the removal of fluid from the pericardial cavity, often performed by a procedure called pericardiocentesis.