Credit Information
Credit Type
* AMA PRA Category 1™
Number of Credits
3
Course Overview
This course offers an in-depth update on pericardial effusion, covering its anatomy, etiology, clinical features, and diagnostic techniques. Learn to identify hemodynamic changes using echocardiography and manage treatment options like pericardiocentesis. Essential for healthcare providers involved in cardiology and emergency care.
Course Objectives
After completing this activity, the participant will:
Identify and develop the ability to accurately identify echocardiographic signs of pericardial effusion and tamponade, including the assessment of pericardial fluid accumulation, chamber collapse, and hemodynamic changes.
Differentiate Pathologies: Gain proficiency in differentiating between various types of pericardial effusions, understanding the underlying etiologies, and recognizing the distinct echocardiographic features associated with each condition.
Understand the clinical implications of pericardial effusions and tamponade, including their impact on cardiac function and patient symptoms.
Interpret echocardiographic findings in the context of hemodynamic changes, recognizing signs of compromised cardiac output, venous congestion, and the pulsus paradoxus phenomenon.
Understand how echocardiography plays a pivotal role for physicians to help diagnose and aid in treatment guidelines.
Target Audience
Cardiologists, echocardiographers, and others who perform and/or interpret echocardiography.
* AMA PRA Category 1 ™ credits are used by physicians and other groups like PAs and certain nurses. Category 1 credits are accepted by the ARDMS, CCI, ACCME, and Sonography Canada.
