Fundamentals
Pathophysiology
Constrictive pericarditis results from chronic pericardial inflammation leading to fibrosis and calcification that encases the heart in a rigid shell. The non-compliant pericardium limits diastolic filling, equalizing pressures across all four chambers. Venous return is preserved in early diastole but abruptly halted when the ventricle hits the rigid pericardial constraint.
Unlock full lesson + practice questions
4 more sections with scenarios, priorities, and review drills.
Continue studying
Sign in to save progress on this lesson.
Unlock the interactive lesson quiz with a plan that includes this WHNP pathway. You can still explore topic-filtered questions from the bank hubs below.
Unlock the interactive lesson quiz with a plan that includes this WHNP pathway. You can still explore topic-filtered questions from the bank hubs below.
