Pericarditis

Question 1

What is pericarditis?

Answer 1

• It can be acute or chronic
• Inflammation of the pericardium that results in loss of:
  pericardial elasticity
  accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac
  Tamponade and HF

Question 2

Assessment of pericarditis

Answer 2

• Pericardial pain in the anterior chest that radiates to the back
• Pain is worse with breathing and coughing
• Pain is worse when supine and BETTER when leaning forward
• EKG: Diffuse ST elevation

Question 3

Nursing Interventions for pericarditis

Answer 3

1. High fowlers leaning forwards
2. NSAIDs/Steroids
3. Diuretics
4. Monitor for signs of cardiac tamponade: muffles heart sounds, narrows pule pressure, or JVD