Cardiac Tamponade - Nursing Care and Conclusion

Nursing diagnosis

1. Decreased cardiac output related to poor contractility of the ventricle

2. Pain related to increased pressure in the mediastinum

3. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirement related to anorexia, inadequate food intake

4. Anxiety related to unknown out come and prognosis

5. Risk for complication related to prolonged treatment and lowered immunity

Complications:

• Pulmonary edema

• Shock

• Death

Prognosis:

Prognosis depends on prompt recognition and management of the condition and the underlying cause of the tamponade.

Conclusion

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency condition in which fluid accumulates in the pericardium. The elevated pericardial pressure puts significant pressure on the heart, causing a decrease in diastolic filling of the ventricles, and hence in stroke volume. The end result is ineffective pumping of blood, shock and often death.

Cardiac tamponade occurs when the pericardial space fills up with fluid faster than the pericardial sac can stretch. If the amount of fluid increases slowly the pericardial sac can expand to contain a liter or more of fluid prior to tamponade occurring. If the fluid occurs rapidly (as may occur after trauma or myocardial rupture) as little as 100 ml can cause tamponade.

Category: Medicine Notes