Cardiac Tamponade Flashcards
1
Q
What is cardiac tamponade?
A
external compression of the heart
2
Q
What causes cardiac tamponade?
A
accumulation of fluid, pus or air in the pericardial space
3
Q
Why is cardiac tamponade a problem?
A
- pressure prevents the heart from filling normally, it restricts filling and emptying which is life threatening
4
Q
What type of shock is cardiac tamponade?
A
obstructive shock
5
Q
What are the manifestations of cardiac tamponade?
A
- decreased cardiac output
- decreased arterial pressure
- temporary tachycardia (temporary because it is a compensation that is not working)
6
Q
How is cardiac tamponade treated?
A
- stat pericardiocentesis (drain the fluid before fluid thickens)
