Question

A patient had an emergency pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade. Which nursing interventions are included in the post procedural care of this patient? (Select all that apply.)

a. Closely monitor for the recurrence of tamponade.
b. Be prepared to provide adequate fluid volumes to increase cardiac output.
c. Be prepared to assist in emergency sternotomy if tamponade recurs.
d. Administer diuretics to decrease fluid volumes around the heart.
e. Send the pericardial effusion specimen to the laboratory for culture.

Answer 1

Post-procedural nursing interventions for a patient who had a pericardiocentesis due to cardiac tamponade include monitoring for recurrence, being prepared to manage fluids, possibly assisting in emergency procedures, and sending specimens to the lab. Administering diuretics is not an initial step, but may be considered later.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the nursing interventions required after a patient undergoes an emergency pericardiocentesis due to cardiac tamponade. Appropriate postoperative care includes the following interventions:

• Closely monitor for the recurrence of tamponade.
• Be prepared to provide adequate fluid volumes to increase cardiac output.
• Be prepared to assist in emergency sternotomy if tamponade recurs.
• Send the pericardial effusion specimen to the laboratory for culture.

Note that administering diuretics to decrease fluid volumes around the heart is generally not an initial post procedural care step. This is because the focus is on stabilizing the patient and ensuring there's no recurrence of tamponade. In some cases, diuretics might be used later in the management of the patient's condition based on the underlying etiology and clinical judgement.