A patient with acute pericarditis is exhibiting distended jugular veins, tachycardia, tachypnea, bradycardia, and muffled heart sounds. The senior nursing student recognizes these symptoms occur when
a) Excess pericardial fluid compresses the heart and prevents adequate diastolic filling.
b) Fibrin accumulation on the visceral pericardium infiltrates into the myocardium, creating generalized myocardial dysfunction.
c) The parietal and visceral pericardial membranes adhere to each other, preventing normal myocardial contraction.
d) The pericardial space is eliminated with scar tissue and thickened pericardium.
Answer: Excess pericardial fluid compresses the heart and prevents adequate diastolic filling.