Question

A 70-year-old man presents to a rural ED with sudden onset severe shortness of breath, hypotension and distended neck veins. Heart sounds are muffled. Echocardiography is not immediately available. You suspect cardiac tamponade. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Urgent pericardiocentesis

Answer

High-dose IV diuretics

Answer

High-dose beta blocker therapy

Answer

Thrombolytic therapy

Answer

Watchful waiting with oxygen

Practice question

A 70-year-old man presents to a rural ED with sudden onset severe shortness of breath, hypotension and distended neck veins. Heart sounds are muffled. Echocardiography is not immediately available. You suspect cardiac tamponade. What is the most appropriate immediate management?