Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What complication should be assessed in patients with pericardial effusion?

1. Endocarditis

2. Cardiac tamponade

3. Fluid overload

4. Thrombocytopenia

The correct answer is: Cardiac tamponade

In patients with pericardial effusion, assessing for cardiac tamponade is crucial because this condition occurs when the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space exerts pressure on the heart. As the fluid gathers, it can restrict the heart's ability to fill properly during diastole, leading to decreased cardiac output and potential cardiovascular collapse. Symptoms of cardiac tamponade may include hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and distended neck veins, collectively known as Beck's triad. The presence of pericardial effusion raises the risk of developing cardiac tamponade, especially if the effusion is large or develops rapidly. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of this complication ensures timely intervention, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage, to relieve pressure on the heart and restore normal circulatory function. Other complications like endocarditis, fluid overload, and thrombocytopenia are less directly related to the pathophysiology of pericardial effusion, making them a lower priority for assessment in this specific context.