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.