Quiz on Pericarditis

Where is the friction rub most prominent?

• Right upper sternal border

• Left lower sternal border

• Middle of the back

• Right lower sternal border

A 45-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with chest pain, which is worse when lying flat and improves when leaning forward. On examination, the nurse notes a friction rub at the left lower sternal border. Which of the following diagnostic criteria should the nurse expect to be present for a diagnosis of acute pericarditis?

• Elevated troponin levels and new ST elevation in all ECG leads

• Presence of pericardial rub and new ST elevation in all ECG leads

• Elevated ESR and a new or worsening pericardial effusion

• Presence of pericardial rub and decreased WBC count

A patient with pericarditis is experiencing persistent symptoms despite being on NSAIDs. What should the nurse anticipate as the next step in management if the patient’s condition does not improve?

• Immediate initiation of anticoagulant therapy

• Scheduling for pericardiocentesis to relieve pericardial effusion

• Referral for a pericardiectomy to remove the pericardium

• Introduction of colchicine or corticosteroids to manage more severe symptoms

What type of agents should be provided as prescribed to a patient with chest discomfort?

• Antibiotic agents

• Anti-inflammatory agents

• Antiviral agents

• Antifungal agents

A patient with infective endocarditis has been treated with intravenous antibiotics for 1 week but remains symptomatic. Which of the following statements would be an appropriate response made by the nurse?

• "You can pause your course of treatment and discuss surgical interventions with your doctor"

• "This course of treatment last 4-6 weeks. The antibiotic needs time to effectively work"

• "IV Antibiotic therapy is a 10 day course. We still have a few days left for it to effectively work"

• "I will discuss with your doctor to switch over to Erythromycin"

How long does it usually take for anti-inflammatory agents to increase comfort?

• 24 hours

• 48 hours

• 72 hours

• 96 hours

Which organisms are most commonly responsible for infective endocarditis?

• Streptococcus viridians and Staphylococcus aureus

• Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Bacillus anthracis

• Clostridium difficile and Helicobacter pylori

What is destroyed as the vegetative lesion grows?

• The myocardium and pericardium

• The endocardium and valve

• The epicardium and myocardium

• The pericardium and epicardium

During a routine check-up, a nurse notes that a patient with infective endocarditis has developed new Osler nodes on their hands. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• Recommend over-the-counter pain relief for the discomfort

• Ensure that blood cultures are collected to monitor for ongoing infection

• Educate the patient that Osler nodes are not a cause for concern and will resolve on their own

• Prepare the patient for immediate surgical intervention

Which of the following is a diagnostic criterion for pericarditis?

• New or worsening pericardial effusion

• Elevated heart rate

• High cholesterol levels

• Increased white blood cell count