A client with chest pain is diagnosed with acute pericarditis by the health care provider. The nurse explains that the pain will improve with which of the following?

Question

A client with chest pain is diagnosed with acute pericarditis by the health care provider.  The nurse explains that the pain will improve with which of the following?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most common cause of acute pericarditis is a recent viral infection. It is an inflammation of the visceral and/or parietal pericardium. Pericarditis is characterized by typical pleuritic chest pain that is sharp. It is aggravated during inspiration and coughing. Pain is typically relieved by sitting up and leaning forward. This position reduces pressure on the inflamed parietal pericardium, especially during lung inflation. The pain is different than that experienced during myocardial infarction. Assessment shows a pericardial friction rub (scratchy or squeaking sound). Treatment includes a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or aspirin plus colchicine. (Option A) Pericarditis causes pain on inspiration, not expiration. This pleuritic-type pain also increases with coughing. (Option B) The supine or lying-down position worsens pericarditis pain. (Option C) The pursed-lip breathing technique helps to decrease shortness of breath by preventing airway collapse, promoting carbon dioxide elimination, and reducing air trapping in clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Educational objective: Pericarditis is characterized by typical pleuritic chest pain that is sharp. It is aggravated during inspiration and coughing. Pain is typically relieved by sitting up and leaning forward. Treatment includes a combination of NSAIDs or aspirin plus colchicine.

A Client with Chest Pain Is Diagnosed with Acute Pericarditis