Final answer:
Symptoms of cardiac tamponade requiring immediate intervention include hypotension and muffled heart sounds, both signs of impaired cardiac function. The correct answer is option A).
Step-by-step explanation:
Cardiac tamponade is a serious medical condition where excess fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, which can put pressure on the heart, restricting its normal filling and pumping functions. Symptoms that require immediate intervention include hypotension (low blood pressure) and muffled heart sounds.
Indicative of the heart struggling to operate properly under increased pericardial pressure. These symptoms, part of the classic triad known as Beck's triad, along with distended neck veins, signify that the heart's function is becoming critically impaired.
Other common symptoms can include dyspnea (difficulty breathing), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), and in some cases, altered mental status. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to drain the fluid and relieve the pressure on the heart to prevent cardiac arrest and death.