Final answer:
The emergency treatment for cardiac tamponade is pericardiocentesis, a procedure to remove excess fluid from the pericardial space to relieve pressure on the heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emergency Treatment of Cardiac Tamponade
The emergency treatment for cardiac tamponade is pericardiocentesis. This procedure involves the insertion of a needle into the pericardial space to remove excess fluid that is putting pressure on the heart. Symptoms of cardiac tamponade result from fluid accumulation within the pericardial cavity, which interferes with the heart's ability to relax and fill with blood, thereby reducing the volume of blood that is pumped to the body. Other treatments such as anticoagulation therapy, diuretic therapy, and treatment for arrhythmia may be used for associated conditions or long-term management, but in an emergency scenario where cardiac tamponade is present, pericardiocentesis is the critical and lifesaving procedure.