Management of Acute Idiopathic (Viral) Pericarditis in the Emergency Department: A Review for the Nursing Professional.

Acute pericarditis is an inflammatory disorder that contributes to chest pain admissions in the emergency department (ED). Nursing professionals can play a vital role in the differential, triage and management of acute pericarditis in the ED. First-line pharmacotherapy to specifically treat acute pericarditis of viral or idiopathic origin is paramount in improving patients' quality of life and reducing the risk of further recurrences of pericarditis and consists of combination therapy with aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), in combination with colchicine. Corticosteroids should not be initiated as first-line therapy in idiopathic (viral) pericarditis, as they increase the risk of recurrences. Nursing professionals are also pivotal in monitoring pharmacotherapy with respect to safety and efficacy. Overall, the nursing professional can facilitate timely administration and monitoring of medications, provide patient education, promote adherence, and assist in transitions of care for patients diagnosed with acute idiopathic (viral) pericarditis in the ED.

Pericardial conditions: signs, symptoms and electrocardiogram changes.

This article describes the anatomy and physiology of the pericardium and the signs and symptoms of acute pericarditis, pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. It illustrates the likely electrocardiogram findings in each of these conditions and discusses how the results, combined with patient history and physical examination, can help emergency nurses make accurate diagnoses.

Assessing for pericarditis in the end-stage renal disease patient.

Pericarditis in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient can be a life-threatening emergency. Careful assessment of these patients helps the critical care nurse plan for impending complications and ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

Complications associated with myocardial infarction.

The incidence of complications after acute myocardial infarction (MI) has been estimated to range from 14-95 per cent, with an overall one-month mortality of 30 per cent. Early treatment, as advocated by the National Service Framework for Heart Disease, has brought about some reduction in associated morbidity and mortality after MI. This article reviews the common complications associated with an acute MI, such as cardiogenic shock, pericarditis and heart failure. Nurses who are knowledgeable about potential complications should be able to detect early signs and symptoms, initiate emergency treatment, and prevent profound haemodynamic compromise occurring.

Pericarditis. Nursing care makes the difference.

Nursing care of the patient with pericarditis, a commonly seen syndrome in the clinical setting, is discussed in this article. Pericarditis is particularly prevalent in the patient following myocardial infarction. Astute nursing assessment is described. Goals of nursing care include management of pain, maintenance of adequate cardiac output, and provision of support to manage anxiety and fear. Interventions to meet the goals, as well as outcome criteria, are identified.

Acute post-MI pericarditis.

The diagnosis of acute pericarditis may be difficult to establish in patients with recent transmural infarcts as the symptomatology frequently mimics the clinical presentation associated with recurrent ischemia. A careful assessment of the postmyocardial infarction patient may reveal the clinical and electrocardiographic features associated with developing pericarditis. Prompt and accurate recognition of this complication is critical in order to institute definitive therapy, minimize the risk of hemodynamic compromise, and provide psychological support.

Uremic pericarditis in chronic renal failure: nursing implications.

Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of death in patients with chronic renal failure. Pericardial disease is among the first recognized manifestations of uremia. This article explores the pathophysiology of uremic pericarditis, assessment of chronic renal failure patients at risk for developing pericarditis, and major complications of pericarditis. Current treatment modalities and nursing care for the patient with uremic pericarditis are included.

Cardiac infections: medical and surgical therapies.

Infections of the heart can be acute or subacute, depending on host susceptibility, the cause and associated virulence, early diagnosis, and effective therapy. The following review will discuss the causes, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and medical or surgical management of infective endocarditis, prosthetic valve endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Nursing considerations emphasize understanding the pathogenesis, early recognition of signs and symptoms, and appropriate prevention and intervention.