Final answer:
The appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with acute pericarditis is to place the patient in Fowler's position. This relieves pain by reducing pressure on the heart, and may be supplemented with anti-inflammatory medications and monitoring for complications like cardiac tamponade.
Step-by-step explanation:
An appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with acute pericarditis and accompanying pain is to place the patient in Fowler's position, leaning forward on the table. This position helps to relieve pain by decreasing the pressure of the heart against the pericardium. Additional interventions may involve managing the inflammation with anti-inflammatory medications, monitoring the patient's vital signs, and ensuring adequate rest to reduce the overall stress on the heart.
While Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. can cause pericarditis, it can also be caused by other pathogens like viruses, fungi, and parasites. In cases of infection, antibacterial medications may be prescribed. Moreover, in cases of excessive fluid accumulation leading to conditions like cardiac tamponade, drainage of the excess fluid may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the heart.
Overall, the nursing care should be focused on pain management, monitoring for potential complications, and supporting the overall cardiac function of the patient.