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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