Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)

What is the appropriate treatment approach for a patient suspected of having cardiac tamponade?

1. Fluid resuscitation

2. Administration of NSAIDs

3. Pericardiocentesis

4. Antibiotics

The correct answer is: Pericardiocentesis

The appropriate treatment approach for a patient suspected of having cardiac tamponade is pericardiocentesis. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the pericardial space to remove excess fluid that is compressing the heart. Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid accumulates around the heart, restricting its ability to pump effectively. By alleviating this pressure through pericardiocentesis, the heart can function more normally, allowing for improved perfusion and oxygen delivery to the body. Other treatment options like fluid resuscitation may be used in different scenarios but are not beneficial in cases of cardiac tamponade since these patients already have fluid accumulation around the heart. The administration of NSAIDs is typically indicated for inflammatory conditions, not for the management of cardiac tamponade. Likewise, while antibiotics are essential in treating infections, they do not address the urgent problem posed by tamponade itself. Thus, performing pericardiocentesis is vital to resolving the direct cause of the patient's compromised cardiac function.