Assessment of the client with pericarditis may reveal which of the following?

Assessment of the client with pericarditis may reveal which of the following?
A . Ventricular gallop and substernal chest pain
B . Narrowed pulse pressure and shortness of breath
C . Pericardial friction rub and pain on deep inspiration
D . Pericardial tamponade and widened pulse pressure

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

(A) No S3 or S4 are noted with pericarditis.

(B) No change in pulse pressure occurs.

(C) The symptoms of pericarditis vary with the cause, but they usually include chest pain, dyspnea, tachycardia, rise in temperature, and friction rub caused by fibrin or other deposits. The pain seen withpericarditis typically worsens with deep inspiration.

(D) Tamponade is not typically seen early on, and no change in pulse pressure occurs.