Cardiac tamponade is defined as:

Cardiac tamponade is defined as:

• A. Fluid/blood in pericardial sac compressing heart
• B. Air in pleural space causing lung collapse
• C. Blood in pleural space causing lung collapse
• D. Fat surrounding the heart

Answer: (A)

Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid or blood collects in the pericardial sac, creating external pressure that prevents the heart from filling properly during diastole. This reduces venous return and cardiac output, leading to shock if not treated. The other scenarios describe air in the pleural space (pneumothorax), blood in the pleural space (hemothorax), or fat around the heart—none of which involve the pericardial cavity compressing the heart.

Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid or blood collects in the pericardial sac, creating external pressure that prevents the heart from filling properly during diastole. This reduces venous return and cardiac output, leading to shock if not treated. The other scenarios describe air in the pleural space (pneumothorax), blood in the pleural space (hemothorax), or fat around the heart—none of which involve the pericardial cavity compressing the heart.