Cardiac Tamponade

Med Surg: Cardiac

Pathophysiology Signs & Symptoms

COMPRESSION OF THE HEART

caused by fluid collecting in the pericardial sac. BECKS TRIAD BEC
(weaker pump = less cardiac output) B • Big Jugular Veins Distension (JVD)
E • Extreme Low BP (Hypotension)
This is a medical emergency as fluid C • Can’t hear heart sounds (muffled)
or blood fills the pericardial sac,
compressing the heart so that it cannot PULSE PARADOXES
fill & pump! The result is a Systolic drop of 10 mmHg
dramatic drop in blood pressure (120/80 to 110/80)
that can kill the client.
ECG
MEMORY TRICK
QRS complexes
• C - Cardiac Tamponade (short & uneven height)
• C - Compression on the heart
• C - Critical client!

Causes

ACUTE
TRAUMA: (Stabbing or MVA)
CHRONIC: Pericarditis

Treatments

PERICARDIOCENTESIS

1. CARDIAC MONITOR
2. CATHETER ATTACHED
to drainage system
3. ASSESS DRAINAGE
(Type & speed of drainage)