Concept

• Pericardial effusion: slow accumulation of fluid; usually asymptomatic

  -may progress to cardiac tamponade (emergency!

  mgt to CT pericardiocentesis & diuretics
• s/sx tension PNEUMOthorax

  hypotension

  jugular vein distention

  absent lung sounds
• s/sx CARDIAC tamponade's beck's triad

  hypotension

  jugular vein distention

  muffled heart sounds
• Heart Circulation

  -deoxygenated blood-

  superior & inferior vena cava

  RA -> tricuspid valve

  RV

  Pulmonary valve

  Pulmonary arteries

  -oxygenated blood-

  Pulmonary veins

  LA -> mitral valve

  LV

  Aortic valve

  Aorta
• when giving digoxin, 1st count hr at apex (5th ICS mid-clavicular line)