Pericarditis: NCLEX Priorities
Pericarditis: positional chest pain, friction rub, ST elevation, tamponade signs.
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium. NCLEX tests positional pain, friction rub, and tamponade as a complication.
Classic findings
Sharp chest pain worse lying flat, better leaning forward. Pericardial friction rub on auscultation. ECG: diffuse ST elevation.
Causes
Viral (most common), post-MI (Dressler's), uremia, autoimmune, malignancy.
Treatment
NSAIDs + colchicine. Steroids for refractory.
Tamponade signs
Beck's triad: hypotension, muffled heart sounds, JVD. Pulsus paradoxus (>10 mmHg drop in SBP with inspiration). Emergent pericardiocentesis.
Frequently asked
Pericardial effusion, when drain?
Symptomatic tamponade or large effusion compromising hemodynamics.
ECG difference from MI?
Pericarditis: diffuse ST elevation, PR depression. MI: localized ST elevation matching coronary territory.
Quick check
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