NREMT Paramedic Practice

What condition is characterized by compression of the heart due to fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac?

1. Myocardial infarction

2. Pericardial tamponade

3. Cardiac arrest

4. Aortic dissection

The correct answer is: Pericardial tamponade

Pericardial tamponade is a condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, which surrounds the heart. This accumulation causes external pressure on the heart, hindering its ability to fill and pump effectively, leading to decreased cardiac output and potential shock. When fluid builds up in the pericardial space—such as from trauma, infection, or malignancy—it can create significant pressure that compresses the heart muscle. This compression limits the heart's expansion during diastole (the filling phase), impairing the heart's ability to function properly. Symptoms of pericardial tamponade may include hypotension, tachycardia, jugular venous distension, and muffled heart sounds, often described as Beck's triad. In contrast, myocardial infarction involves the blockage of blood supply to a part of the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage, while cardiac arrest refers to the cessation of effective heart activity, which can result from various cardiac conditions but is not directly related to fluid accumulation. Aortic dissection involves a tear in the aorta and is primarily characterized by severe chest pain and related symptoms, rather than fluid accumulation around the heart.