PERICARDITIS Flashcards
It refers to an inflammation of the pericardium (outer layer) – is the membranous sac enveloping the heart.
PERICARDITIS
acts as a lubricant to
prevent friction between the parietal and
visceral pericardium because it may lead to
chest pain.
Pericardial Fluid
EXPLAIN
pericardial effusion
cardiac tamponade
Due to inflammation of the pericardium, the body compensates by releasing chemical mediators, and one of its effects is increased capillary permeability. This causes plasma (albumin) to move from the intravascular to the interstitial space, and water follows, resulting in the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space. This condition is known as pericardial effusion.
pleural effusion is <300 cc
– there is increase fluid in pericardial sac and compress the heart
If this fluid increases by more than 300cc, it is then referred to as cardiac tamponade.
Excessive fluid compresses the heart, preventing it from expanding to receive blood, resulting in reduced cardiac output.
If accumulation is rapid, as little as 100 to 150 mL of blood in the pericardial space can adversely affect cardiac output.
❖ CARDIAC TAMPONADE
S/Sx of cardiac tamponade
▪ Confused, anxious, and restless
▪ Tachypnea and Tachycardia
▪ Distended Neck Veins
▪ Muffled Heart Sounds – due to the
presence of fluid (blood)
2 types of Infectious
viral and bacterial
Viral examples
Echo virus, mumps, HIV, Hepatitis
Bacterial examples
Pneumococci, Streptococci
5 types of non-infectious
Uremia
the kidneys can’t remove the
toxins leading to accumulation of urea in
the body and this can reach the heart
leading to inflammation of pericardium
Uremia
the flow of blood into the heart
is blocked due to excess fluid and may
lead to necrosis
Acute MI
❖ CLASSIC TRIAD OF SYMPTOMS
→ Chest Pain – sharp, stabbing
→ Fever
→ Pericardial Friction Rub
EXPLAIN
chest pain classic triad sx
Plenty of fluids in the pericardial sac because of inflammation -> there is compression of the heart -> less space for the heart -> less blood going to the ventricle -> less blood going to heart -> cardiac ischemia ! aerobic respiration – anaerobic respiration ! lactic acid ! stimulate nerve endings ! CHEST PAIN
cause of fever - classic triad sx
due to inflammation
assessment of doctor to know if patient have pericarditis
Place patient in a Left Lateral Decubitus Position to palpate if there is enlargement of the left ventricle: (+) if there is a strong beat.
▪ This position puts the heart near the chest.
▪ The heartbeat can be felt at the Left Anterior Axillary Line if the heart is enlarged.
++ fluid in pericardial causes increase pressure
- putting plenty fluid in pericarial sac that increase pressure in heart that is
- it prevent heart from expanding to receive blood