Which of the following conditions can cause jugular venous distension (JVD)?

Jugular venous distension (JVD) is often a clinical sign associated with increased central venous pressure, which can occur in various cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Tension pneumothorax is particularly significant in this context because it involves the accumulation of air in the pleural space, leading to increased intrathoracic pressure. This pressure can compress the great veins (including the superior vena cava), disrupting venous return to the heart, and resulting in noticeable JVD.

In contrast, while heart murmurs can indicate various heart conditions, they do not directly cause JVD as a specific sign. Coarctation of the aorta can lead to hypertension in the upper body but does not typically cause JVD unless there is heart failure or significant collateral circulation involved, which would be more indirect. Basal cell cancer, primarily a skin malignancy, would not influence jugular venous pressure. Thus, the association of tension pneumothorax with direct impact on venous return makes it the correct choice for the cause of JVD in this scenario.