A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with pericarditis. Due to this patient's risk for cardiac tamponade, the nurse is vigilant about assessing for which findings?. Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pericarditis can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, which can cause cardiac tamponade. Signs of cardiac tamponade include difficulty auscultating heart sounds, decreased systolic blood pressure, and visible distention of jugular veins. A palpable lift at the third intercostal space just left of the midclavicular line is not typically associated with cardiac tamponade. Headache is also not a common finding in patients with pericarditis or cardiac tamponade.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Diagnosed with Pericarditis