Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

What surgical procedure might be recommended for patients with significant cardiac tamponade?

1. Catheter placement

2. Pericardiectomy

3. Chemotherapy

4. Dialysis

The correct answer is: Pericardiectomy

Pericardiectomy is the surgical procedure recommended for patients with significant cardiac tamponade. Cardiac tamponade occurs when there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, exerting pressure on the heart and impairing its ability to pump effectively. This condition can lead to decreased cardiac output and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. A pericardiectomy involves the surgical removal of a portion or all of the pericardium, allowing for the drainage of the fluid and relief of pressure on the heart. This procedure directly addresses the underlying issue causing the cardiac tamponade by creating more space around the heart, enabling it to function more normally again. The other options—catheter placement, chemotherapy, and dialysis—do not serve the same purpose with regard to alleviating cardiac tamponade. Catheter placement, while it may be used for drainage in some scenarios, is not as definitive as a pericardiectomy in cases of significant or recurrent tamponade requiring a more permanent solution. Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer and does not apply to the management of cardiac tamponade. Dialysis is a procedure used for renal failure and would not address the cardiac complications associated with tamponade.