Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Which procedure is primarily used for treating cardiac tamponade?

1. Ultrasound guided pericardiocentesis

2. Catheter Placement

3. Pericardiectomy

4. Cytologic and Biochemical Analysis

The correct answer is: Ultrasound guided pericardiocentesis

Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis is the primary procedure used for treating cardiac tamponade because it allows for the targeted aspiration of fluid from the pericardial space, which relieves the pressure on the heart and restores normal hemodynamics. This minimally invasive approach uses imaging guidance to ensure accurate needle placement, minimizing the risk of complications while effectively addressing the accumulation of fluid that characterizes cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis can be performed swiftly in emergency situations, making it a critical intervention when rapid relief is needed. The procedure not only alleviates the immediate symptoms of compression on the heart but also allows for potential analysis of the fluid removed, which can provide insights into underlying causes, such as infection or malignancy. Other procedures such as catheter placement, pericardiectomy, and cytologic and biochemical analysis serve different purposes. Catheter placement is more general and does not specifically address the acute need for fluid removal in tamponade. Pericardiectomy, involving surgical removal of the pericardium, is a more invasive option typically reserved for recurrent or persistent pericardial effusions rather than acute tamponade. Cytologic and biochemical analysis, while important for diagnostic purposes, do not provide a