A 55-year-old male is brought to the emergency department af…
A 55-year-old male is brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. He reports severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. His vital signs and clinical findings are as follows: Vital signs: BP – 90/50 mmHg HR – 122 RR – 30 SPO2: 90% on room air Physical exam: Tachypnea and diaphoresis Decreased breath sounds at the base of the lungs Jugular venous distention (JVD) is noted Muffled heart sounds upon auscultation The physician suspects pericardial tamponade as a result of blunt chest trauma. What is the priority intervention for this patient?
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