A patient has sudden chest heaviness and shortness of breath. What should be included in the immediate treatment plan?

In cases where a patient presents with sudden chest heaviness and shortness of breath, the priority often lies in addressing the potential for significant cardiac issues, such as cardiac tamponade, which can cause these symptoms due to the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space. The placement of a pericardial catheter is a critical intervention used to relieve pressure on the heart caused by this fluid accumulation. By doing so, it allows for the drainage of excess fluid, restoring normal heart function and alleviating symptoms.

This immediate action can stabilize the patient and provide relief from the distress caused by pressures exerted on the heart. Other treatments, such as surgical intervention to create a pericardial window, are typically reserved for longer-term management in less acute situations. Administering IV hydration and oxygen therapy may be supportive care options, but they do not directly address the underlying cause of chest heaviness and shortness of breath in the context of potential cardiac tamponade.