Question

The nurse is evaluating the condition of a client after pericardiocentesis performed to treat cardiac tamponade. Which observation would indicate that the procedure was effective?

1. Muffled heart sounds
2. A rise in blood pressure
3. Jugular venous distention
4.Client expressions of dyspnea

Answer 1

A reduction in symptoms such as improved breathing and less dyspnea and the absence of abnormal heart sounds upon auscultation would indicate the effectiveness of pericardiocentesis in treating cardiac tamponade.

Step-by-step explanation:

The observation that would indicate the effectiveness of pericardiocentesis in treating cardiac tamponade is a resolution of symptoms such as shortness of breath or dyspnea. Cardiac tamponade occurs when excess fluid, often blood, accumulates within the pericardial cavity, hindering the heart's ability to relax and refill, thus leading to a decreased blood ejection with each cycle. If a client shows improvement in breathing and less distress post-procedure, it suggests that the procedure was successful in relieving the pressure on the heart and allowing for better cardiac output.

Through auscultation, using a stethoscope, healthcare providers can listen to the heart sounds to check for abnormal sounds that may have been present before the procedure, which can indicate improvement. A reduction in the heart rate to a typical range and an increase in systemic blood pressure may also serve as signs of successful pericardiocentesis. Furthermore, subsequent utilization of imaging techniques such as echocardiography can provide visual confirmation that the excess fluid has been drained adequately from the pericardial space.