R.J.’s wife needs to know that her husband is getting the best care available. I would then explain how the heart has a sac around it to protect it – this is called the pericardium. His injury caused the pericardium to fill with fluids and blood, so the surgeon had to remove the fluid by carefully inserting a needle into the pericardium to drain the fluid. When the surgeon removes the fluid, it will allow your husband’s heart to work better and efficiently. We were careful to make sure R.J. did not feel any pain and he is now going to the intensive care unit for observation. I would also explain that the TICU is very thorough in taking care of R. J. and there will be a lot of monitors and IV lines to monitor his progress always. I would
