Cardiac tamponade following heart surgery

This article explores cardiac tamponade in postoperative cardiac patients and highlights the role and responsibilities bestowed upon the cardiac nurse in assessing, preventing, recognising and managing this situation. Cardiac tamponade is the compression of the heart that occurs when blood builds up in the space between the myocardium and the pericardium. In this condition, blood collects in the pericardium and mediastinum; this can prevent the ventricles from expanding fully. Excess pressure from the fluid prevents the heart from functioning normally. The signs of cardiac tamponade and cardiogenic shock are discussed, as are the urgent treatments they require. The cardiac nurse requires specialist skills and knowledge in managing surgical patients postoperatively. A thorough assessment, observation, early detection and quick intervention can mean the difference between life and death for patients who suffer cardiac tamponade following cardiac surgery. The standards of care suggested throughout this article are based on local practice in association with national and European guidelines.