NCLEX® QOTD: Pericardium
Published on Sep 18, 2024. Updated on Sep 18, 2024.
The nurse in the cardiac rehabilitation clinic has described the physiology of the pericardium to a nursing student. Click on the image to identify the pericardium.
The correct answer to today's NCLEX-RN® Question is...
Major Takeaway
The nurse should have an understanding of the physiology of the pericardium and be able to identify the location. The pericardium has two layers: an outer fibrous layer, known as the parietal pericardium, and an inner serous layer, called the visceral pericardium. The visceral pericardium is continuous with the parietal pericardium, forming an enclosed space called the pericardial cavity. Within the space, there is serous pericardial fluid secreted by visceral pericardium cells and drained by parietal pericardial cells and lymphatics to maintain a normal volume of about 5 to 20 mL. The pericardial fluid cushions the heart from any external jerk or shock and acts as a lubricant to reduce friction with each heartbeat. The pericardium also fixes the heart to the mediastinum, preventing it from twisting so that blood circulation through the great vessels does not get cut off.
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