Final answer:
The nurse would expect to find a friction rub at the left lower sternal border in a client with pericarditis. This sign is distinguished by auscultation and is characteristic of the inflammation of the pericardium.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a client with pericarditis, the nurse would expect to find a friction rub at the left lower sternal border. This assessment finding is typical for pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. A friction rub can be heard upon auscultation with a stethoscope and is the result of the roughened, inflamed surfaces of the pericardial layers rubbing against each other. Other clinical signs of pericarditis could include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a dry cough; however, the friction rub is a hallmark for its diagnosis.
It's also important to differentiate the symptoms of pericarditis from other conditions such as myocardial infarction (MI), pneumonia, or congestive heart failure, as each has its own distinct clinical manifestations.