The patient with acute pericarditis is having a pericardiocentesis. What complication should the nurse monitor the patient for?
Pneumonia
Myocardial infarction
Pneumothorax
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
The Correct Answer is C
A. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and is not a direct complication of pericardiocentesis. While pneumonia can occur in patients with pericarditis, it is not typically a result of the pericardiocentesis procedure itself.
B. A myocardial infarction (heart attack) is due to a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. While pericardiocentesis involves the pericardial space, not the coronary arteries, and is unlikely to directly cause a myocardial infarction, manipulation or trauma to the heart during the procedure could potentially impact coronary circulation indirectly. However, this is a less common complication compared to others listed.
C. A pneumothorax (air in the pleural space) is a significant complication to monitor for during pericardiocentesis. During the procedure, the needle may inadvertently puncture the lung or pleura, leading to air entering the pleural space.
D. A cerebrovascular accident (stroke) is caused by a disruption in blood flow to the brain. While not a direct complication of pericardiocentesis, severe hypotension or other complications related to the procedure could potentially lead to systemic effects, including a CVA. However, this is less common compared to complications directly related to the procedure itself.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle refers to the thickening of the walls of the right ventricle of the heart. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle is not a typical consequence of rheumatic fever. Instead, rheumatic fever more commonly affects the heart valves.
B. Superior vena cava syndrome occurs when there is obstruction of the superior vena cava, which is a major vein that carries blood from the head, neck, and upper body to the heart. It is not a direct consequence of rheumatic fever.
C. Valvular heart disease is a significant long-term consequence of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause inflammation of the heart valves, leading to damage that may result in stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage) of the valves. The mitral and aortic valves are most commonly affected. This damage can progress over time and lead to chronic heart problems, including valvular heart disease.
D. Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It can be caused by various conditions, including chronic lung diseases and left heart disease. While rheumatic fever primarily affects the heart valves and can potentially lead to heart failure, it is not a direct cause of pulmonary hypertension.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Muffled heart sounds can be a sign of cardiac tamponade, but they should improve after a successful pericardiocentesis.
B. Jugular venous distention is another sign of cardiac tamponade. If the procedure was effective, the jugular venous distention should decrease.
C. Dyspnea is a common symptom of cardiac tamponade. If the procedure was effective, the client should experience relief from dyspnea.
D. This procedure involves draining excess fluid from the pericardial sac, which can provide immediate relief from the symptoms of cardiac tamponade. If the procedure was effective, the client should experience immediate relief from their symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and tachycardia.
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