Cardiac tamponade.

OBJECTIVES

To review the oncologic emergency of cardiac tamponade through a case study presentation/analysis and a discussion of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and nursing management.

DATA SOURCES: Research studies, review articles, book chapters, abstracts, and clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac tamponade is a potentially life-threatening condition that is not uncommon in the oncology setting. It can result directly from the malignant or metastatic process or from the treatment of the malignancy. Observation and prompt intervention are mandatory to deal effectively with cardiac tamponade.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses play important roles in identifying patients at risk for cardiac tamponade and in recognizing signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade early so this life-threatening emergency can be treated promptly.