PERICARDITIS

Pericarditis: is a condition caused by

inflammation of the pericardial sac
,which may occur on an acute basis.
 Etiology
Idiopathic
Infectious
Virus- Coxsackievirus B group
Bacteria-pneumococci
Fungus- histoplasma
Noninfectious
Uremia
MI
Neoplasm
Trauma
AUTOIMMUNE/HYPERSENSITIVITY
Dresslers syndrome
Rheumatic fever
Rheumatoid arthritis
 Clinical Manifestations
chest pain
located beneath the clavicle, in the neck, or in
the left scapula region
may worsen with deep inspiration and when
lying down or turning
may be relieved with a forward leaning or
sitting position.
 mild fever
Dyspnea and other signs and symptoms of
heart failure may occur as the result of pericardial
compression due to constrictive pericarditis or
cardiac tamponade.
 Complications
Pericardial effusion
fluid collection in pericardial space
Cardiac tamponade
it develops when pericardial effusion increases in
volume
pulses paradoxus is present
 Assessment and
Diagnostic Findings
patients history
Physical examination
signs of pericardial friction rub on auscultation
12-lead ECG detects ST changes
Chest x-ray- cardiomegaly
Echocardiogram
Lab invst-
elevated WBC,CRP,ESR
Pericardial biopsy- analysis
 Management
Identifying treating the underlying problems
patient is placed on bed rest
Pericardiocentesis,
procedure in which the pericardial fluid is
removed
Antibiotic therapy
Analgesics and NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone)
 Nursing management
Assessment
The nurse caring for the patient with pericarditis
must be alert to the possibility of cardiac
tamponade
 Nursing management
Assessment
The nurse caring for the patient with pericarditis
must be alert to the possibility of cardiac
tamponade
Interventions
Pain management
elevate head end to 45 degrees
cardiac table
antinflammatory drugs
Monitor for complications