PERICARDITIS
DEFINITION:-
An acute or chronic inflammation of pericardium (outer layer) of heart is called pericarditis.
CAUSES:-
- Infections:
- Viral (Influenza virus)
- Bacterial (step.Meningococcus)
- Fungal
- Parasitic
- Tuberculosis.
- Chest trauma
- Heart surgery including pacemaker transplantation
- Drug induced (phenytoin)
- Radiation therapy.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:-
- Sharp and stabbing pain in anterior chest.
- Pain may be felt in neck, shoulder, back and abdomen.
- Orthopnea
- Dyspnoea
- Sweating
- Dysrhythmic
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Chills.
DIAGNOSTIC FINDING:-
- Chest X-ray
- ECG
- CBC (Complete blood count)
- Serum urea nitrogen
- MRI.
COMPLICATIONS:-
- Cardiac tamponade: A build up of blood or fluid in the pericardial sac puts pressure on heart, which may prevent it from pumping effectively.
- Heart failure
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT:-
- Antiviral if viral infections
- Penicillin (antibiotics)
- Antimicrobial, e.g., cefixime
- Analgesics (NSAIDs)
- Antifungal in case of fungal infection
NURSING MANAGEMENT:-
- To relieve pain by administer analgesics.
- To provide psychological support as well as health education to reduce anxiety of patient.
- Encourage patient to bed rest when chest pain, fever and friction rub occur.
Nursing Diagnosis
- Acute pain related to pericardial inflammation.
- Decreased cardiac output related to impiared ventricular expansion.
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