What is the primary reason pericardiocentesis is performed?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the main purpose of performing a pericardiocentesis, which is a medical procedure. It presents four options to choose the correct primary reason for this intervention.
Answer
To remove excess fluid from the pericardial sac and relieve heart pressure.
The primary reason pericardiocentesis is performed is to remove excess fluid from the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, particularly when there is large, symptomatic pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade.
Answer for screen readers
The primary reason pericardiocentesis is performed is to remove excess fluid from the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, particularly when there is large, symptomatic pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade.
More Information
Pericardiocentesis is crucial for preventing complications such as cardiac tamponade, where fluid buildup exerts pressure on the heart, impairing its function. This procedure can be both diagnostic and therapeutic, helping to determine the cause of fluid accumulation while also relieving symptoms.
Tips
A common mistake is misunderstanding that pericardiocentesis can be done not only to relieve symptoms but also to diagnose the cause of fluid buildup, such as infection or cancer.
Sources
- Pericardiocentesis: Details & Recovery - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Pericardiocentesis in cardiac tamponade: indications and practical aspects - escardio.org
- Pericardiocentesis Information | Mount Sinai - New York - mountsinai.org
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