AEMCA Practice Exam

What is NOT a consequence of pericardial tamponade?

1. Increased heart rate

2. Decreased stroke volume

3. Improved cardiac output

4. Decreased arterial pressure

The correct answer is: Improved cardiac output

Pericardial tamponade occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial cavity, exerting pressure on the heart and limiting its ability to fill with blood during diastole. This condition significantly impacts cardiovascular function. Increased heart rate is a compensatory mechanism that occurs as the body attempts to maintain adequate cardiac output in response to impaired filling due to elevated pericardial pressure. Decreased stroke volume is a direct consequence of pericardial tamponade, as the heart cannot adequately fill with blood, leading to reduced ejection of blood with each contraction. Decreased arterial pressure results from the impaired pumping capability of the heart, causing a reduction in blood flow and, consequently, a drop in systemic blood pressure. In contrast, improved cardiac output is not a consequence of pericardial tamponade. In this condition, the heart's ability to generate an adequate output is compromised. Therefore, cardiac output typically decreases due to the combination of reduced stroke volume and the potential for increased heart rate being unable to fully compensate.