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A patient is brought to the ED after being struck by a baseball to the chest. The physician suspects a cardiac tamponade based on hypotension muffled heart sounds, and distended jugular veins. What is the primary intervention for this patient?

A.

Administer a stat fluid challenge

B.

Place the patient in a prone position

C.

Draw a stat CBC

D.

Perform a stat pericardiocentesis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Administer a stat fluid challenge: This might temporarily improve cardiac output in tamponade, but it is not the primary intervention. The fluid challenge may be used as a temporary measure, but it does not address the underlying cause.

B. Place the patient in a prone position: This is incorrect and could worsen the patient's condition. The patient should be in a semi-recumbent position to decrease venous return and reduce pressure on the heart.

C. Draw a stat CBC: A CBC is not relevant to the immediate management of cardiac tamponade and does not address the urgent need to relieve the pressure on the heart.

D. Perform a stat pericardiocentesis: Pericardiocentesis is the definitive treatment for cardiac tamponade, as it removes the fluid from the pericardial space, relieving the pressure on the heart and allowing it to function properly.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Near-drowning: This is a direct cause of ARDS. Inhalation of water can lead to pulmonary edema, which triggers ARDS.

B. Aspiration: Aspiration of gastric contents can directly injure the lungs and is a well-known cause of ARDS.

C. Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is associated with ARDS, but it is an indirect cause, not a direct one. The inflammatory response from pancreatitis can lead to ARDS, but it is not due to direct lung injury.

D. Toxic inhalation: Inhaling toxic substances can cause direct damage to the alveoli and lead to ARDS.

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

A. HAV: Hepatitis A is spread via the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water.

B. HCV: Hepatitis C is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact, not the fecal-oral route.

C. HDV: Hepatitis D is spread through blood contact and requires Hepatitis B for replication.

D. HEV: Hepatitis E is spread through the fecal-oral route, similar to Hepatitis A.

E. HBV: Hepatitis B is spread through blood, sexual contact, and perinatal transmission, not the fecal-oral route.

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