Author Question: The nurse determines that a client diagnosed with pericarditis is demonstrating the classic signs of ... (Read 145 times)

eruditmonkey@yahoo.com · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse determines that a client diagnosed with pericarditis is demonstrating the classic signs of the Beck triad. What are the signs of the Beck triad? (Select all that apply.)

1. Fever
2. Dyspnea
3. Muffled heart sounds
4. Elevated jugular vein pressure
5. Hypotension
6. Abdominal pain

Question 2

A client with an elevated cardiac index has received diuretic medication as prescribed. The nurse realizes that this medication will affect which cardiac parameter?

1. Afterload
2. Contractility
3. Preload
4. Stroke volume

aidanmbrowne · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

3, 4, 5
The symptoms of Beck triad include muffled heart sounds, elevated jugular vein pressure, and hypotension. Fever, dyspnea, and abdominal pain are not considered findings within the Beck triad.

Answer to Question 2

3
Preload is characterized by the amount of cardiac muscle fiber stretch preceding each contraction. Preload will decrease with the use of diuretics. Contractility is the force of ventricular contraction. Afterload is the pressure and forces opposing ventricular contraction. The stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle in one contraction. Diuretics do not specifically impact contractility, afterload, or stroke volume.