Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)

If untreated, cardiac tamponade will lead to symptoms of which type of shock?

1. Hypovolemia

2. Neurogenic

3. Obstructive

4. Cardiogenic

The correct answer is: Obstructive

Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, exerting pressure on the heart and impairing its ability to fill with blood during diastole. This leads to decreased cardiac output and can ultimately result in shock. In the context of shock types, the most relevant one associated with cardiac tamponade is obstructive shock. Obstructive shock is characterized by a blockage in the heart or great vessels that results in compromised circulation. In the case of cardiac tamponade, the pressure from the fluid prevents the heart chambers from expanding fully, which obstructs the flow of blood and leads to reduced systemic perfusion. As the heart struggles to pump effectively, the symptoms of obstructive shock manifest, including hypotension, tachycardia, and signs of inadequate tissue perfusion. In contrast, hypovolemic shock results from a significant loss of blood volume; neurogenic shock occurs due to disruption of the autonomic pathways, often resulting from spinal cord injury; and cardiogenic shock arises from the heart's inability to pump effectively due to myocardial damage. While these types can have overlapping symptoms, the specific pathophysiology of cardiac tamponade aligns with obstructive shock, making it the most appropriate choice.