CARDIAC TAMPONADE

Course overview

Cardiac tamponade (CT) is the pathologic accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac that compresses the myocardium, prevents adequate cardiac filling, and reduces cardiac output. CT may be acute or subacute and can result from conditions such as acute blunt or penetrating chest injuries, dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm, and myocardial rupture. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of CT, including its causes, clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.