In suspected cardiac tamponade, which statement is least appropriate?

• A. Call rapid response team.
• B. Prepare for echocardiogram.
• C. Prepare for pericardiocentesis.
• D. Delay intervention until definitive imaging.

Answer: (D)

Suspected tamponade is a time‑critical emergency where the heart’s filling is acutely compromised by fluid pressure around it. The priority is rapid stabilization, quick confirmation, and immediate relief of the pressure. Activating the rapid response team ensures urgent access to the resources needed for definitive care. Bedside echocardiography is the fastest way to confirm tamponade physiology and to guide the immediate plan, because it can show chamber collapse, distended inferior vena cava, and hemodynamic impact without delaying care. Preparing for pericardiocentesis is essential because draining the fluid relieves the pressure and can rapidly improve cardiac output and blood pressure. Delaying intervention until definitive imaging is not appropriate, since CT or MRI takes time and would postpone life-saving drainage; management should proceed based on clinical suspicion and rapid bedside assessment when tamponade is likely.