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 D
Explanation
A. Shortness of breath and need for oxygen supplementation: These symptoms are more indicative of respiratory or cardiac conditions rather than Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). While patients with PAD may experience discomfort during exertion, shortness of breath is not a primary symptom associated with PAD.
B. Tachycardia and hypotension: Tachycardia and hypotension are generally signs of acute distress, shock, or severe cardiovascular issues. These symptoms do not specifically indicate PAD, which is characterized by issues related to blood flow in the peripheral arteries.
C. Decreased alertness and slurred speech: These symptoms suggest possible neurological issues, such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack, rather than PAD. PAD primarily affects blood flow to the extremities and does not typically present with neurological symptoms.
D. Diminished pulses and pain with walking or exercise: Diminished pulses in the legs and claudication, or pain with walking or exercise, are classic symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease. These symptoms occur due to reduced blood flow to the muscles in the legs, particularly during physical activity, and are indicative of arterial blockages.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Vernelli's triad; Venous stasis; Hypercoagulable states; Venous intimal damage: Vernelli's triad is not a recognized term in thrombus formation. Venous stasis, hypercoagulable states, and venous intimal damage are relevant factors, but the correct terminology is Virchow's triad.
B. Vernelli's triad: Hyperlipidemia; hypercoagulable states, venous stasis: This option inaccurately references Vernelli's triad and includes hyperlipidemia, which is not one of the classic factors associated with thrombus formation. The correct factors should be named according to Virchow's triad.
C. Virchow's triad; Hyperlipidemia, Hypercoagulable states, positive D-dimer: Although Virchow's triad is correctly identified, hyperlipidemia and positive D-dimer are not part of the classic factors involved in thrombus formation. The classic factors are venous stasis, hypercoagulable states, and venous intimal damage.
D. Virchow triad; Venous stasis; Venous intimal damage; Hypercoagulable states: This option accurately identifies Virchow's triad and lists the three key factors involved in thrombus formation: venous stasis, venous intimal damage, and hypercoagulable states.
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