Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What is the recommended intervention for a patient who exhibits symptoms of cardiac tamponade?

1. Administer loop diuretics

2. Provide oxygen therapy

3. Prepare for potential pericardiocentesis

4. Monitor blood glucose levels

The correct answer is: Prepare for potential pericardiocentesis

The recommended intervention for a patient exhibiting symptoms of cardiac tamponade is preparation for potential pericardiocentesis. Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, leading to increased pressure on the heart and impaired filling during diastole. This condition presents with clinical manifestations such as hypotension, distant heart sounds, and jugular venous distension, collectively referred to as Beck's triad. Pericardiocentesis is a procedure where a needle is used to remove excess fluid from the pericardial space, relieving pressure on the heart and improving cardiac function. This intervention is critical in managing cardiac tamponade since it directly addresses the underlying issue of fluid accumulation. While administering loop diuretics may help reduce fluid overload, it is not the appropriate intervention for cardiac tamponade specifically, as it does not address the acute source of the problem. Oxygen therapy is supportive and beneficial in various cardiac conditions but does not correct the hemodynamic compromise caused by tamponade. Monitoring blood glucose levels is important in many clinical scenarios but is unrelated to the immediate treatment needs of a patient experiencing cardiac tamponade. Thus, preparing for pericardiocentesis is the most appropriate and urgent intervention in this case.