Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

What is the primary consequence of bleeding between the pericardium and the heart muscle in pericardial tamponade?

1. Decrease in pulse and blood pressure

2. Narrowing pulse pressure

3. Reduction in heart's pumping/filling ability

4. Separation of the placenta from the uterine wall

The correct answer is: Reduction in heart's pumping/filling ability

Pericardial tamponade occurs when fluid, blood, or other substances accumulate in the pericardial space, leading to increased pressure on the heart. The primary consequence of this pressure buildup is a reduction in the heart's ability to pump effectively; as the fluid collects, it compresses the heart muscle, particularly during diastole when the heart is filling with blood. This compression can prevent the heart chambers from filling adequately, thereby reducing stroke volume and overall cardiac output. While a decrease in pulse and blood pressure and narrowing pulse pressure may occur as a result of poor cardiac output, these are secondary effects rather than the primary consequence. The separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, on the other hand, is unrelated to pericardial tamponade and not relevant to the cardiovascular complications derived from this condition. Therefore, the correct response focuses on how the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space affects the heart's mechanical function directly.