Cardiac Tamponade is a hemodynamic emergency that requires timely recognition of the hallmark signs. It is a critical factor that sign and symptoms were identified to prevent cardiogenic shock and death. Despite the clinical urgency, insufficient studies have been found regarding the nursing students’ knowledge about cardiac tamponade in most academic setting in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding cardiac tamponade among nursing students and to determine the differences on the level of knowledge when grouped according to demographic characteristics. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Using purposive convenience sampling, data were collected from 50 respondents. A self-constructed, expert-validated, 20-item multiple-choice questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.743) covering cardiac tamponade definition, management, complications, and prevention was administered via Google Forms. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Chi-square analysis were performed using SPSS v23.0, with significance set at p < 0.05. Findings revealed that most of the respondents were knowledgeable (36%) while 12% were highly knowledgeable. Interestingly, 34% of the students demonstrate a low knowledge category. Among the 14 clinical indicators, the items untreated complication outcomes (74% correct), common causes (63%), and pharmacologic support (62%) obtained the highest percentage of correct answer. Variables such age, gender, marital status, academic level, religion, or previous diploma status does not significant influence the level of knowledge (p > 0.05). Overall, the nursing students possessed a moderate level of knowledge with regards to cardiac tamponade. Gaps in the knowledge were found on priority nursing diagnosis and nursing intervention. Demographic background such as prior educational background, did not significantly predict knowledge levels. These findings underscore an urgent need to strengthen nursing curricula through case-based learning, simulation-based training, and competency-focused clinical education to improve students' preparedness for managing cardiac emergencies and ensuring patient safety.