The nurse suspects that a patient has pericarditis. What did the nurse assess to make this clinical decision?

Question

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Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac around the heart. The classic symptom of pericarditis is chest pain, which is usually sharp and worsens when lying down or taking a deep breath. A pericardial friction rub, a specific type of heart sound, may also be heard on auscultation, which confirms the diagnosis. Abdominal discomfort, nausea, bradycardia, and distended neck veins are not typical symptoms of pericarditis.

The Nurse Suspects That a Patient Has Pericarditis