A postoperative cardiac client has muffled heart sounds, jugular venous distention, hypotension, and pulsus paradoxus. What is the priority intervention?

Question

Accepted Answer

B. Prepare for pericardiocentesis/emergent intervention — These are classic signs of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening emergency that restricts cardiac filling. Definitive management requires urgent provider intervention (e.g., pericardiocentesis).

Answer

A. Encourage coughing and deep breathing

Answer

C. Administer a diuretic

Answer

D. Give a beta-blocker to slow the heart rate