Which of the following is considered a T in the H's & T's for cardiac arrest?

• A. Tamponade (Cardiac)
• B. Hypovolemia
• C. Hypoxia
• D. Hydrogen Ion (Acidosis)

Answer: (A)

In cardiac arrest, clinicians look for reversible causes grouped as H’s and T’s. Among the T’s, tamponade refers to cardiac tamponade, where fluid or blood accumulates in the pericardial sac and compresses the heart, preventing it from filling properly. That reduced filling lowers preload and cardiac output, which can trigger or sustain arrest. Recognizing tamponade guides a specific intervention: pericardiocentesis or emergent relief of the pressure to restore the heart’s ability to fill and pump, followed by rapid transport.

The other options are categorized as H causes: hypovolemia (not enough circulating blood volume), hypoxia (insufficient oxygen delivery), and hydrogen ion (acidosis, a disturbance in acid-base balance). They’re important reversible factors to address during resuscitation, but they belong to the H group, not the T group.