(1 point). Listen.
Which is the most common consequence the nurse should monitor for in a patient with atherosclerosis?

Choice A rationale:

A 76-year-old man with congestive heart failure may experience superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) due to the increased pressure in the superior vena cava, but SVCS is more commonly associated with malignancies that compress or invade the superior vena cava. While this patient may be at risk for SVCS, the woman with bronchogenic cancer in choice B is at higher risk.

Choice B rationale:

The correct choice. Patients with bronchogenic cancer, particularly lung cancer, are at a higher risk of developing superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) due to tumor invasion or compression of the superior vena cava. SVCS can cause a range of symptoms, including facial and upper body swelling, dilated neck veins, and difficulty breathing.

Choice C rationale:

A 26-year-old woman who has just delivered her first child is unlikely to develop superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) as a result of childbirth. SVCS is more commonly associated with malignancies or other factors that cause obstruction or compression of the superior vena cava.

Choice D rationale:

A 6-year-old child with severe asthma is less likely to develop SVCS compared to adults, as SVCS is primarily associated with malignancies and other conditions that lead to obstruction of the superior vena cava. While severe asthma can cause respiratory distress, it is not a typical cause of SVCS in children. .

Choice A rationale:

Pericardial rub A pericardial rub is a clinical finding where a healthcare provider can hear a grating or scratching sound when listening to the heart using a stethoscope. It is a sign of inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) but is not necessarily associated with the rapid collection of fluid in the pericardial sac. Pericardial rub is more indicative of inflammation and not fluid accumulation.

Choice B rationale:

Pericardial effusion Pericardial effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart. If the fluid accumulates rapidly, it can lead to cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is compromised. The nurse should observe for signs and symptoms of pericardial effusion and its complications in the patient's chart when rapid fluid collection is suspected.

Choice C rationale:

Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy is a condition characterized by abnormal heart muscle function. It can lead to heart failure and other cardiac issues, but it is not directly related to the rapid collection of fluid in the pericardial sac. The question specifically focuses on a condition resulting from the rapid accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac.

Choice D rationale:

Constrictive pericarditis Constrictive pericarditis is a condition in which the pericardium becomes thickened and rigid, restricting the heart's ability to expand and fill with blood. It is a chronic condition and not typically associated with a rapid collection of fluid in the pericardial sac. Rapid fluid accumulation leading to tamponade is more indicative of pericardial effusion, which is the correct answer.