The nurse assists with a pericardiocentesis to drain a pericardial effusion and notes serosanguinous fluid. The nurse suspects which condition?

The patient’s wife tells the nurse, “Even though he had atrial fibrillation, he seemed fine. Why did he have a stroke?” Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

The nurse is assigned to a patient who is suffering from acute pericarditis. The patient suddenly becomes hypotensive with signs of peripheral vascular insufficiency. On exam, the patient has significant jugular venous distention and muffled heart sounds. Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of this patient’s condition?