A patient is hospitalized with chronic pericarditis. On assessment, you note the patient has pitting edema in lower extremities, crackles in lungs, and dyspnea on exertion. The patient's echocardiogram shows thickening of the pericardium. This is known as what type of pericarditis?
Acute pericarditis
Constrictive pericarditis
Pericardial effusion
Effusion-Constrictive pericarditis
The Correct Answer is B
A. Acute pericarditis: Acute pericarditis is characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, often presenting with pleuritic chest pain, pericardial friction rub, and diffuse ST-segment elevations on ECG. It does not typically involve pericardial thickening or chronic symptoms such as pitting edema and dyspnea on exertion.
B. Constrictive pericarditis: Chronic pericarditis with pericardial thickening suggests constrictive pericarditis, a condition where the pericardium becomes rigid and fibrotic, impairing diastolic filling and leading to heart failure symptoms such as peripheral edema, crackles in the lungs, and dyspnea on exertion. The echocardiogram findings confirm this diagnosis.
C. Pericardial effusion: Pericardial effusion refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the pericardial sac, which can lead to cardiac tamponade if severe. However, the presence of pericardial thickening rather than fluid accumulation suggests constrictive pericarditis rather than an isolated effusion.
D. Effusion-constrictive pericarditis: This condition involves both pericardial effusion and constrictive pericarditis. While it may share some features with constrictive pericarditis, the case description primarily highlights pericardial thickening rather than significant effusion, making constrictive pericarditis the more accurate diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increase peripheral resistance: An increase in peripheral resistance contributes to hypertension by raising the pressure in the arteries. This condition often results from vasoconstriction or structural changes in the blood vessels, leading to higher overall blood pressure.
B. Decrease in cardiac output: A decrease in cardiac output typically does not cause hypertension. In fact, low cardiac output may lead to hypotension (low blood pressure) since there is less blood being pumped into the circulatory system. This option is the exception when discussing physiological causes of hypertension.
C. Both increased cardiac output and peripheral resistance: Both increased cardiac output and peripheral resistance can lead to hypertension. An increase in either factor can elevate blood pressure, and their combined effect can significantly contribute to the development of hypertension.
D. Increased cardiac output: Increased cardiac output raises blood pressure by delivering more blood to the arteries with each heartbeat. This can occur due to various factors such as increased fluid volume, increased heart rate, or heightened contractility of the heart.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and is associated with significant inflammation and alveolar damage. Assessing for pneumonia is a priority as it can exacerbate ARDS and lead to further respiratory compromise. Early identification and treatment of pneumonia can significantly improve the patient's outcome.
B. Heart failure: While heart failure can contribute to respiratory distress, ARDS is primarily a non-cardiogenic condition. Assessing for heart failure is important, but pneumonia is more directly linked to the development of ARDS and should be prioritized.
C. Pulmonary emboli: Although pulmonary embolism can cause acute respiratory distress, it is not the primary concern when dealing with ARDS. Assessing for embolism is important, but pneumonia is a more common and immediate concern in the context of ARDS.
D. Acute pulmonary edema: Acute pulmonary edema is usually associated with cardiac issues and is not the underlying cause of ARDS. While monitoring for pulmonary edema is necessary, pneumonia is the more relevant condition to assess in a patient diagnosed with ARDS.
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