If pericardial fluid accumulates excessively, what complication can arise?
Heart failure
Cardiac tamponade
Pulmonary embolism
Myocardial infarction
The Correct Answer is B
A. Heart failure:
Heart failure involves impaired cardiac output due to structural or functional heart abnormalities. Although pericardial effusion can eventually reduce cardiac output, the direct complication of excessive fluid is not standard heart failure but cardiac tamponade, a more acute and dangerous condition.
B. Cardiac tamponade:
Excess fluid in the pericardial sac creates pressure that restricts ventricular filling, reducing stroke volume and cardiac output. This can rapidly lead to hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distention-a classic triad known as Beck’s triad. Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening emergency requiring prompt intervention.
C. Pulmonary embolism:
Pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot lodges in the pulmonary arteries. It is unrelated to pericardial fluid accumulation and arises from thromboembolic events, not fluid pressure on the heart.
D. Myocardial infarction:
Myocardial infarction occurs due to coronary artery blockage, leading to ischemia. While tamponade can reduce cardiac output, it does not directly cause a myocardial infarction.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. To transport oxygen-rich blood to the systemic circulation:
The aorta and systemic arteries carry blood to the body; coronary arteries are specific to the myocardium.
B. To supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients:
Coronary arteries deliver oxygenated blood and essential nutrients to the myocardium, supporting continuous contraction. Blockage leads to ischemia, angina, or myocardial infarction.
C. To regulate blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation:
Pulmonary circulation is regulated by the pulmonary artery, veins, and right heart function, not the coronary arteries.
D. To remove carbon dioxide from the systemic circulation:
Carbon dioxide removal occurs via the lungs, not the coronary arteries.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. It supplies the interventricular septum:
The interventricular septum is mainly supplied by the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. The RCA contributes only partially via its posterior descending branch in some individuals (right-dominant circulation).
B. It supplies the left ventricle:
While the RCA can supply parts of the left ventricle inferiorly in some cases, the main supply to the left ventricle comes from the LAD and circumflex arteries.
C. It supplies the right atrium and right ventricle:
The RCA primarily supplies the right atrium, right ventricle, SA node, AV node, and part of the inferior left ventricle. This is crucial for maintaining right-sided function and conduction. Occlusion can lead to inferior MI and arrhythmias.
D. It supplies the left atrium:
The left atrium is mainly supplied by the circumflex artery, not the RCA. Misunderstanding this can affect predictions of infarct locations.
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