33. Pericardial Disease

Question 1

How does pericardial effusion present?

Answer 1

decreased RV filling with distended neck veins and an inspiratory decrease in arterial pressure (paradoxical pulse)

Question 1

How does constructive pericarditis present?

Answer 1

elevated JV pressure, tachycardia, hepatomegaly, edema, ascites

Question 1

What is the tx for constructive pericarditis?

Answer 1

surgical stripping of the pericardium

Question 2

What is a pericardial rub?

Answer 2

a scratchy auscultation sound in acute pericarditis

Question 3

What will be found in the ECG in pericarditis?

Answer 3

diffuse ST elevations

Question 5

What are the s/s of acute pericarditis?

Answer 5

sudden onset chest pain that varies w/ position

Question 6

What are the 4 most common causes of acute pericarditis?

Answer 6

1. viral 2. CT or autoimmune disease 3. uremia 4. metastatic tumors

Question 8

What does it mean that there are diffuse ST elevations?

Answer 8

the ST is elevated in almost all leads- this is pericarditis and NOT an MI (you don’t infarct the entire heart and still beat)

Question 9

What causes constrictive pericarditis?

Answer 9

scarring and loss of elasticity of the pericardium

Question 10

What is the tx for pericarditis?

Answer 10

NSAIDS (ibuprofen, aspirin, colchicine)

Question 11

If the pt’s chest pain is altered with changed position, think ____.

Answer 11

pericarditis