Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What are common signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade?

1. Hypertension, chest pain, palpitations

2. Tachypnea, tachycardia, hypotension

3. Bradypnea, bounding pulses, drowsiness

4. Bradycardia, anxiety, palpitations

The correct answer is: Tachypnea, tachycardia, hypotension

Cardiac tamponade is a clinical condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, exerting pressure on the heart and impairing its ability to pump effectively. The common signs and symptoms associated with this condition typically reflect the body's response to compromised cardiac output and decreased intravascular volume. Tachypnea is a result of the body's attempt to compensate for reduced cardiac output by increasing respiratory rate and depth in order to maintain adequate oxygenation. Tachycardia occurs as the heart works harder to overcome the decreased efficiency caused by the fluid around it; this is an attempt to maintain perfusion to vital organs. Hypotension is often seen due to the decreased stroke volume caused by the pressure from the fluid on the heart, which leads to reduced blood pressure. Collectively, these symptoms form a classic presentation of cardiac tamponade, known in the clinical setting as "Beck's triad," which includes hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and elevated jugular venous pressure, although the latter two are not mentioned in this specific answer set. The other signs associated with the incorrect choices do not align with the physiological changes seen in cardiac tamponade. For instance, hypertension and chest pain might indicate other cardiac issues like myocardial infarction