A 28-year-old female presents to the ER complaining of severe chest pain that worsens with respirations or lying down. She has a fever, tachycardia, and a friction rub. The most likely cause of these symptoms is:
A) acute pericarditis.
B) myocardial infarction.
C) stable angina.
D) pericardial effusion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of severe chest pain that worsens with respirations or lying down, fever, tachycardia, and a friction rub are classic signs of acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium. Myocardial infarction and stable angina present with different symptoms, and pericardial effusion may cause chest pain and shortness of breath but typically does not worsen with respirations or lying down.

A 28-Year-Old Female Presents to the ER Complaining of Severe