Question

The client diagnosed with pericarditis is experiencing cardiac tamponade. Which collaborative intervention should the nurse anticipate for this client?

a. Prepare for a pericardiocentesis.
b. Request STAT cardiac enzymes.
c. Perform a 12-lead ECG.
d. Assess the client's heart and lung sounds.

Answer 1

The most critical intervention for a client with pericarditis experiencing cardiac tamponade is preparation for a pericardiocentesis, which is an emergent procedure to remove excess fluid from the pericardial space.

Step-by-step explanation:

Collaborative Intervention for Cardiac Tamponade

The client diagnosed with pericarditis and experiencing cardiac tamponade will require immediate intervention to prevent life-threatening consequences. The most critical collaborative intervention to anticipate would be preparation for a pericardiocentesis. This procedure entails the insertion of a needle into the pericardial space to remove the excess fluids that are putting pressure on the heart and hindering its ability to function properly. During cardiac tamponade, the building fluid in the pericardial cavity prevents the heart chambers from filling with the sufficient volume of blood, reducing the total blood ejected from the heart with each contraction. Prompt removal of this fluid is necessary to restore cardiac function and prevent death.

While performing a 12-lead ECG, assessing the client's heart and lung sounds, and requesting STAT cardiac enzymes are all important aspects of care, these do not address the immediate life-threatening issue of the tamponade. Pericardiocentesis is the emergent intervention needed to relieve the pressure on the heart caused by the accumulated fluid.