1What is the most common trigger for pericarditis?
Viral infection
2What are the classic signs of pericarditis?
Sharp, pleuritic chest pain relieved by sitting up, pericardial friction rub, and systemic symptoms like fever
3What ECG findings are typical for pericarditis?
Diffuse ST-segment elevations and PR depressions
4What is the mechanism of NSAIDs in treating pericarditis?
They inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and decreasing inflammation
5What is a key nursing consideration when administering colchicine for pericarditis?
Monitor for GI symptoms, muscle pain, and renal/liver function
6What are the side effects of corticosteroids in refractory pericarditis?
Hyperglycemia, weight gain, mood changes, immunosuppression, and osteoporosis
7What is the primary cause of myocarditis?
Viral infection (e.g., coxsackie, influenza, HIV)
8What diagnostic test is considered the gold standard for myocarditis?
Cardiac MRI
9What is the mechanism of ACE inhibitors in myocarditis treatment?
They inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme, reducing afterload and preload on the heart
10What are common side effects of beta-blockers in myocarditis?
Bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, bronchospasm, and depression
11What is the primary symptom of infective endocarditis?
Fever, often accompanied by a new murmur and embolic phenomena
12What is the cornerstone of diagnosing infective endocarditis?
Blood cultures drawn from different sites before antibiotic therapy
13What is the typical duration of IV antibiotic therapy for infective endocarditis?
4-6 weeks
14What are the three components of Beck's triad in cardiac tamponade?
Hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distention
15What is the emergency treatment for cardiac tamponade?
Pericardiocentesis to drain fluid from the pericardial sac
16What is the primary risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
Smoking
17What imaging modality is the gold standard for AAA assessment?
CT angiography
18What are the emergency signs of a ruptured AAA?
Sudden severe abdominalack pain, hypotension, syncope, and pulsatile abdominal mass
19What medications are commonly used to manage AAA?
Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins
20What is the key patient education point for AAA surveillance?
Understand the frequency of imaging follow-ups (typically every 6-12 months for small aneurysms)
21What is Dressler's syndrome?
A form of pericarditis triggered by an autoimmune response post-MI.
22What lab markers are elevated in pericarditis?
ESR, CRP, and leukocytosis.
23How does colchicine prevent pericarditis recurrence?
By inhibiting neutrophil activity via microtubule disruption.
24What position relieves pericarditis pain?
Sitting upright or leaning forward.
25What is a contraindication for colchicine use?
Severe renal or hepatic impairment.
26What is the role of echocardiography in pericarditis?
To detect pericardial effusion and assess hemodynamic impact.
27What is the most common pathogen causing infective endocarditis in IV drug users?
Staphylococcus aureus.
28What is the Modified Duke Criteria used for?
Diagnosing definite infective endocarditis.
29Why is transesophageal echo preferred over transthoracic echo for endocarditis?
Higher sensitivity for detecting vegetations.
30What is Red Man Syndrome?
A vancomycin side effect causing rash/hypotension due to rapid infusion.
31What is pulsus paradoxus in cardiac tamponade?
A >10 mmHg drop in systolic BP during inspiration.
32What ECG finding suggests cardiac tamponade?
Low voltage QRS and electrical alternans.
33What is a "water bottle" sign on chest X-ray?
An enlarged cardiac silhouette due to pericardial effusion.
34What surgical intervention prevents recurrent tamponade?
Pericardial window or pericardiectomy.
35What is the diameter threshold for diagnosing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
>3 cm.
36Why are statins used in AAA management?
To stabilize aneurysms by reducing inflammation.
37What symptom suggests an unruptured AAA?
Pulsatile abdominal mass or "heartbeat" sensation in the abdomen.
38When is MR angiography used for AAA instead of CT?
When CT contrast is contraindicated.
39What activity restriction is advised for AAA patients?
Avoid heavy lifting (>50 pounds).
40What is the most critical modifiable risk factor for AAA progression?
Smoking cessation.
41What diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate for a client with suspected cardiac tamponade?
An echocardiogram is the best method for diagnosing the presence and size of a pericardial effusion
42What are risk factors for an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
-Family history of aneurysm
-Smoking
-High blood pressure
43What is important to know about administering vancomycin via IV?
Rapid infusion of vancomycin can cause a phenomenon known as Red Man syndrome. This can be minimize the risk of this from occurring by slowly infusing the medication over a period of 60 minutes or longer
44What are examples of potassium rich foods?
Bananas
Potatoes
Avocados
45What should a nurse expect when taking the blood pressure on a client with constrictive pericarditis?
Paradoxical blood pressure: a decrease in systolic pressure by more than 10 mm Hg during inspiration