A thoracentesis is performed on a chest-injured client and no fluid or air is found. Blood and fluid is administered intravenously (IV), but the client's vital signs do not improve. A central venous pressure line is inserted and the initial reading is 20 cm H^O. The most likely cause of these findings is which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pericardial tamponade. Pericardial tamponade occurs when there is presence of fluid accumulation in the pericardial space that compresses on the ventricles, causing a decrease in ventricular filling and stretching during diastole with a decrease in cardiac output. This leads to right atrial and venous congestion manifested by a CVP reading above normal.

A Thoracentesis Is Performed on a Chest-Injured Client and No