A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following blood test results should the nurse anticipate? (Select All that Apply.)

A. "Your heart condition is caused by excessive stretching of the ventricles": This statement is incorrect. Excessive stretching of the ventricles typically occurs in dilated cardiomyopathy, not restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). In RCM, the primary issue is not excessive stretching but rather stiffening of the ventricular walls.

B. "Your heart condition is caused from stiffening of the walls of the ventricles": This statement is correct. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is characterized by abnormal stiffening (fibrosis) of the ventricular walls, which impairs the heart's ability to fill properly during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle. This stiffening restricts the heart's ability to relax and fill with blood efficiently.

C. "Your heart condition is caused by thickening of the ventricular walls and septum": This statement describes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), not restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). In HCM, there is abnormal thickening of the ventricular walls and septum, leading to impaired filling of the ventricles and potential obstruction of blood flow out of the heart.

D. "Your heart condition is caused when the ventricular tissue becomes fibrous and fatty": This statement describes arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), not restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). ARVC is characterized by replacement of myocardial tissue with fibrous and fatty tissue, primarily affecting the right ventricle.

Answer: C. "I am not worried. This sort of thing happens all the time to us 'old people.'"

A. "I brought an updated list of all the medications he takes at home to help you and the doctors determine what the cause of this could be."
This response indicates understanding and proactive involvement in the client’s care. An updated medication list is crucial in evaluating potential causes of delirium, as certain medications or interactions can contribute to changes in mental status.

B. "I notified our family members that they should not come visit for a while, until they are better."
This statement reflects an understanding of the need for a calm environment for the client experiencing delirium. Reducing stimuli and visitors can help the client focus on recovery. It indicates the spouse is aware of the potential impact of social interactions on the client’s condition.

C. "I am not worried. This sort of thing happens all the time to us 'old people.'"
This response indicates a need for further teaching. It reflects a possible misunderstanding of delirium as a normal part of aging, which can be dismissive of the seriousness of the condition. Delirium is often a sign of underlying medical issues and should be treated with concern and urgency. Clients and their families need to understand that delirium is not a typical or benign occurrence and requires appropriate evaluation and intervention.

D. "I am trying to stay positive. I know that most people return to normal, but it is hard to see them like this."
This statement indicates a hopeful attitude while acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. It shows understanding that recovery is possible and reflects the spouse's emotional processing of the situation. Maintaining a positive outlook can be beneficial for both the client and the family during recovery.