Pericardial tamponade in patients with central venous catheters

Cardiac (pericardial) tamponade occurs when the pressure of the fluid within the pericardial sac is high enough to impair the venous return to the heart. Cardiac tamponade can occur during central venous catheter placements. Nursing members of a central vascular catheter placement team benefit from quickly recognizing this clinical situation and understanding the appropriate clinical response. A methodical approach to this potentially fatal condition can greatly increase patient safety. This article reviews this condition, its clinical presentation and diagnosis, and strategies for avoiding central vascular access-associated tamponade.