A child with a significant pericardial effusion has haemodynamic compromise. Which treatment is identified as the treatment of cardiac tamponade?

The lecture states that treatment of cardiac tamponade is **drainage of the pericardial effusion**. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is described as a safe and effective bedside procedure, while surgical drainage may be performed through a limited subxiphoid incision. Observation may be appropriate for some small effusions without haemodynamic compromise, but not for established tamponade. Pericardiectomy is discussed as treatment for constrictive pericarditis, not routine immediate management of tamponade. **Key takeaway:** Haemodynamically significant tamponade requires drainage of the effusion. **Glossary:** **Pericardiocentesis**: drainage of pericardial fluid using a needle or catheter. **Subxiphoid**: beneath the xiphoid process at the lower end of the sternum.