Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade

Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade is a topic covered in the Pocket ICU Management.

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Anesthesia Central is an all-in-one web and mobile solution for treating patients before, during, and after surgery. This collection of drugs, procedures, and test information is derived from Davis’s Drug, MGH Clinical Anesthesia Procedures, Pocket Guide to Diagnostic Tests, and PRIME Journals. Explore these free sample topics:

-- The first section of this topic is shown below --

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • Assess patient.
    • Measure HR, BP, oxygen sat, RR, and temp.
    • Determine if patient is in shock. Are feet warm or cold?
    • If patient is asymptomatic and vitals are stable, continue to watch closely.
    • If in shock or unstable, think “full and fast.”
      • Place large-bore IV.
      • Institute fluids and possibly inotropes while arranging for urgent pericardiocentesis.
    • Invasive monitors (A-line, CVP, PAC)
      • Helpful in managing patient
        • But do not delay life-saving intervention for the patient in extremis in order to place them.

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First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • Assess patient.
    • Measure HR, BP, oxygen sat, RR, and temp.
    • Determine if patient is in shock. Are feet warm or cold?
    • If patient is asymptomatic and vitals are stable, continue to watch closely.
    • If in shock or unstable, think “full and fast.”
      • Place large-bore IV.
      • Institute fluids and possibly inotropes while arranging for urgent pericardiocentesis.
    • Invasive monitors (A-line, CVP, PAC)
      • Helpful in managing patient
        • But do not delay life-saving intervention for the patient in extremis in order to place them.

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Last updated: May 10, 2010