What is the primary concern if a patient has distended jugular veins?

• A. Pulmonary embolism
• B. Dehydration
• C. Headache
• D. Potential development of shock

Answer: (D)

Distended jugular veins reflect elevated central venous pressure and venous congestion, meaning the heart isn’t effectively handling venous return. This often signals that forward blood flow and tissue perfusion are at risk, so the primary concern is the potential development of shock from impaired cardiac output. Dehydration typically causes flat neck veins, so it wouldn’t present with distended jugulars; a pulmonary embolism can cause right‑heart strain and JVD but the bigger, more urgent implication in this context is the risk of shock; a headache isn’t a direct indicator of central venous pressure.