A 64-year-old collapses in the emergency department and is f…
A 64-year-old collapses in the emergency department and is found to be in pulseless electrical activity (PEA). CPR is initiated. The patient had a pacemaker placed two days ago and was admitted early today with shortness of breath and hypotension. On assessment, the nurse notes jugular venous distension and muffled (dampened) heart sounds. There are no signs of external bleeding. What is the most likely reversible cause of the cardiac arrest?