A patient recovering from heart surgery develops pericarditis and complains of level 6 (0 to 10 scale)chest pain with deep breathing. Which prescribed PRN medication will be the most appropriate for the nurse to give?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pain associated with pericarditis is caused by inflammation,so nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (e.g.,ibuprofen)are most effective. Opioid analgesics and acetaminophen are not very effective for the pain associated with pericarditis.

A Patient Recovering from Heart Surgery Develops Pericarditis and Complains