Pericarditis
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Cardiacmedium priorityneeds review
Pericarditis
Also testable as: Inflammation of the pericardium
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Viral illness, post-MI inflammation, autoimmune disease, uremia, trauma, or procedures can inflame the pericardial sac.
- Inflamed pericardial layers irritate each other and may produce effusion that can progress to tamponade.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | May be used for selected inflammatory causes when ordered. |
Nursing actions
- Assess chest pain pattern, friction rub, fever, dyspnea, and signs of tamponade.
- Position for comfort, often sitting up and leaning forward if tolerated.
- Monitor for hypotension, JVD, muffled heart sounds, or worsening shortness of breath.
Complications
- Pericardial effusion
- Cardiac tamponade
- Constrictive pericarditis
NCLEX cues
- Sharp chest pain worse lying flat and better leaning forward.
- Pericardial friction rub.
- Tamponade findings are priority.
Memory hooks
- Pericarditis pain changes with position.
Labs / Diagnostics
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- Troponin if MI/myopericarditis concern
- Inflammatory markers
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.