A patient arrives at the emergency department with complaint…
A patient arrives at the emergency department with complaints of increasing shortness of breath and chest pressure over the last 7 weeks. During assessment, the nurse notes tachycardia and distant heart sounds. The patient is diagnosed with a pericardial effusion. The patient asks the nurse, “Why am I having symptoms now, I was sick with a virus almost two months ago?” Which explanation(s) should the nurse provide? Select all that apply.