Pericarditis IV: Verpleegkundig beleid

Nursing management of pericarditis starts with a thorough assessment of the patient's medical history and identifying sharp, pleuritic chest pain radiating beneath the clavicle, neck, or left trapezius.

During the physical examination, the nurse should auscultate for a pericardial friction rub and check muffled heart sounds.

Based on the assessment, the nurse formulates diagnoses such as Acute Pain related to pericardial irritation as evidenced by patient report of sharp chest pain

Another diagnosis is an Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to pain as evidenced by shallow breathing, dyspnea, and use of accessory muscles.

Nursing interventions include keeping the patient on bed rest with the head of the bed raised to 45 degrees.

An overbed table is provided so that the patient can lean forward for support.

The patient and family are educated about a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoidance of alcohol.

Prescribed pain medicine is administered with food or milk to prevent upsetting the GI system.

Finally, the nurse adjusts the care plan according to the patient's response to the interventions.