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Which assessment finding would the nurse expect in a patient diagnosed with acute pericarditis?

A.

Muffled heart sound

B.

Narrow pulse pressure

C.

Pulses paradoxus

D.

Pericardial friction rub

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Muffled heart sounds are more commonly associated with pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade, where fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac muffles the heart sounds. Acute pericarditis, however, typically does not cause muffled heart sounds.  
B. Narrow pulse pressure (a small difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is not a typical finding in acute pericarditis. It is more commonly seen in conditions such as cardiac tamponade or severe heart failure.  
C. Pulses paradoxus, a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, is more commonly associated with conditions like cardiac tamponade, not acute pericarditis.  
D. A pericardial friction rub is a hallmark sign of acute pericarditis. It occurs due to the inflammation of the pericardial layers, which rub against each other, producing a characteristic high-pitched, scratchy sound heard on auscultation.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"},"G":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

Improved:

  • Blood Pressure: Improved from 148/88 mmHg to 130/74 mmHg.
  • Jugular Venous Distention: Improved, now absent.
  • Lung sounds: Improved, now clear bilaterally.
  • Serum Potassium: Improved from 5.7 mEq/L to 4.4 mEq/L.
  • Weight: Improved from 102.7 kg (226 lb.) to 100 kg (220 lb.).

No change:

  • Dyspnea: No change, still observed on exertion.
  • Oxygen saturation: No change, remains at 95% on room air.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Moon face is a classic manifestation of Cushing's syndrome. It is caused by fat redistribution and is often seen as a round, puffy face.
B. Purple striations, or stretch marks, are common in Cushing's syndrome due to the skin's thinning and the increased collagen breakdown from elevated cortisol levels.
C. Tremors are not typically associated with Cushing's syndrome. The syndrome is more often characterized by physical changes such as weight gain, muscle weakness, and fatigue, rather than neurological symptoms like tremors.
D. Hypertension is a common manifestation of Cushing's syndrome. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased blood pressure due to fluid retention and vasoconstriction.
E. Buffalo hump, the accumulation of fat on the upper back and neck, is another characteristic sign of Cushing's syndrome. This is caused by fat redistribution, a hallmark of the condition.

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