Final answer:
Cardiac tamponade is the condition where fluid accumulates in the sac surrounding the heart, causing pressure and affecting its pumping ability. It is caused by various factors such as trauma, ruptured blood vessels, pericarditis, cancer, or cardiac surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cardiac Tamponade
Cardiac tamponade, or pericardial tamponade, is the condition in which blood or other fluid accumulates in the sac surrounding the heart, causing pressure on it and adversely affecting its pumping ability. This occurs when excess fluid builds up in the pericardial space, leading to pressure on the heart and preventing full relaxation, resulting in decreased blood ejection. Cardiac tamponade can be caused by various factors such as trauma, ruptured blood vessels, pericarditis, cancer, or cardiac surgery. It requires drainage of the excess fluid through the insertion of drainage tubes into the pericardial cavity.