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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Triglycerides: Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. High triglycerides can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to a higher risk of heart disease and complications such as heart attacks or strokes.

B. Very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs): Elevated VLDL levels are considered harmful and are linked to a higher risk of atherosclerosis. VLDLs contribute to the accumulation of triglycerides and promote the development of plaque in the arteries, which can significantly increase cardiovascular risk over time.

C. High density lipoproteins (HDLs): Elevated HDL levels are considered protective against the development of atherosclerosis. HDLs help transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for excretion, which not only reduces the risk of plaque buildup but also lowers the likelihood of heart disease and enhances overall cardiovascular health.

D. Low density lipoproteins (LDLs): Elevated LDL levels are known to be a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. LDL cholesterol can contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and it is important to manage LDL levels for better cardiovascular health.

A. Aortic stenosis B. Left-sided heart failure C. Mitral valve prolapse D. Right-sided heart failure

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Aortic stenosis: Aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure due to left ventricular outflow obstruction, but it is not the most direct cause of pulmonary edema. This condition may present with other symptoms, such as chest pain or syncope, rather than fluid accumulation in the lungs.

B. Left-sided heart failure: Left-sided heart failure is a primary cause of pulmonary edema, as it leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation and fluid leakage into the alveoli. Assessing for this condition is crucial, as it directly contributes to the patient's pulmonary edema and requires immediate management.

C. Mitral valve prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse can cause mitral regurgitation and lead to heart failure, but it is less commonly associated with acute pulmonary edema compared to left-sided heart failure. While assessment is important, it is not the priority in this scenario.

D. Right-sided heart failure: Right-sided heart failure typically leads to systemic congestion and peripheral edema rather than pulmonary edema. While it can coexist with left-sided heart failure, it is not the primary concern when assessing a patient specifically for pulmonary edema.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which elevated value may be protective of the development of atherosclerosis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient has pulmonary edema. For what condition should the healthcare professional assess the patient as the priority?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Upon admission to the ICU, a client with a history of cor pulmonale will likely be exhibiting which clinical manifestations of right-sided heart failure? Select all that apply. (Select All that Apply.)

Which clinical manifestations would you assess for in a painter with pulmonary hypertension? (Select All that Apply.)

A patient has been diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). For what other health condition should the healthcare professional assess this patient for as the priority?

What is the trigger for angina pectoris?

What cardiac pathologic condition contributes to ventricular remodeling?

Which of the following are NOT typical signs and symptoms of pericarditis? (Select-all-that-apply) (Select All that Apply.)

What type of angina is characterized by vasospasms of coronary arteries and causes unpredictable chest pain?

A patient with severe pericarditis has developed a large pericardial effusion. The patient is symptomatic. The physician orders what type of procedure to help treat this condition?