Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

What additional symptom indicates the presence of pericardial tamponade?

1. Difficulty swallowing

2. Headache

3. Tachycardia

4. Rash

The correct answer is: Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a significant symptom that indicates the presence of pericardial tamponade. In this condition, fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, exerting pressure on the heart, which impairs its ability to pump effectively. As a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output and ensure adequate blood flow to vital organs, the heart rate increases, resulting in tachycardia. In pericardial tamponade, the physiological response to reduced stroke volume and increased venous pressure often leads to not just tachycardia, but also other classic signs such as pulsus paradoxus and elevated jugular venous pressure. Monitoring heart rate is therefore crucial, as persistent tachycardia may indicate worsening tamponade physiology and necessitate timely intervention. Other options like difficulty swallowing, headache, and rash do not directly correlate with the pathophysiology of pericardial tamponade. While they may be present in various conditions, they do not indicate the hemodynamic changes associated with this cardiac issue. Therefore, tachycardia stands out as a clear and critical symptom of pericardial tamponade, reflecting the body's response to compromised cardiac function.