Mr.

Nathaniel is a 46 year-old man who has developed symptoms of

acute pericarditis secondary to viral infection. Diagnosis was based on
characteristic sign of a friction rub and pain over the pericardium. (20
points)

1. The patient is experiencing pericardial pain. To alleviate this

discomfort, what position could the nurse assist the patient with
maintaining?

- Recommend a bed rest or a chair rest in a sitting-upright and

leaning-forward position. As the patient's chest pain and friction rub
lessens, instruct him to resume daily activities. Administer medications,
monitor and record responses. Instruct the patient to come back to bed
if the chest pain and friction rub reoccur.

2. When planning Mr. Nathaniel’s care, what should the nurse

understand are the objectives of pericarditis management?

- Determine cause
- Utilize therapy to treat and relieve symptoms.
- Identifies signs of cardiac tamponade

3. The nurse is auscultating Mr. Nathaniel’s chest for a pericardial

friction rub. Where will the nurse auscultate in order to locate the
rub?

- The auscultation will take place in the diaphragm over the left
lower sternal edge or apex