Clinical Correlates (Pericardium)

Question 1

Pericarditis

Answer 1

• Inflammation of the Pericardium
• Causes chest pain.
• Can make serous pericardium rough

Question 2

Pericardial Rub

Answer 2

• Friction of the rough surface
• May sound like the rustle of silk when
  listening with a stethoscope:
  - on the left sternal border and
  upper ribs

Question 3

Pericardial Effusion

Answer 3

• Accumulation of of fluid or pus as a
  result;
  - the heart becomes compressed
  (unable to expand and fill fully)
  and ineffective

Question 4

Cardiac Tamponade (Heart Compression)

Answer 4

• Excess fluid/blood in the pericardial
  cavity.
  -Bleeding may be caused by;
  1. Ruptured aortic Aneurysm
  2. Ruptured myocardial infarct
  3. Penetrating Injury
• Life threatening
• The fluid/blood compresses the heart as a result;
  -reducing cardiac out and increasing venous pressure

Question 5

(TREATMENT)- Pericardiocentesis is ___

Answer 5

• Drainage of fluid from the pericardium
  cavity
• Process used to relieve
  -CARDIAC TAMPONADE

Question 6

(TREATMENT) - Describe Pericardiocentesis

Answer 6

• A wide-bore needle
  - through the left subcostal angle or
  substernal angle
  - or through the left 5th/6th
  intercostal space near the sternum