Which patient's statement helps a nurse distinguish between chest pain originating from pericarditis rather than from angina?
A) "No, I have not done anything to strain chest muscles."
B) "If I take a deep breath, the pain gets much worse."
C) "This pain feels like there's an elephant sitting on my chest."
D) "Whenever this pain happens, it goes right away if I lie down."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The chest pain from pericarditis is aggravated by deep breathing, coughing, or lying supine. Chest pain from muscle strain may be aggravated by movement of arms. "This pain feels like there's an elephant sitting on my chest" is associated with a myocardial infarction. Chest pain relieved by rest occurs with angina.

Which Patient's Statement Helps a Nurse Distinguish Between Chest Pain