Question

A patient recently diagnosed with pericarditis asks his nurse to explain what area of his heart is involved. The nurse tells the patient that the pericardium, which is inflamed, is the ________.

Answer 1

The pericardium involved in pericarditis is the membrane that encloses the heart, consisting of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer, which can become inflamed, leading to symptoms like chest pain and coughing.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient diagnosed with pericarditis is experiencing inflammation of the pericardium, which is the membrane surrounding the heart. The pericardium is made up of the outer fibrous pericardium which provides protection and anchorage for the heart within the thorax, and the inner serous pericardium, which is further divided into the parietal and visceral layers. These layers enclose a fluid-filled pericardial cavity that minimizes friction as the heart beats. In the case of pericarditis, these layers become inflamed, often causing chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a dry cough. Diagnosis and treatment involve various methods such as radiography, echocardiograms, and possibly anti-inflammatory or antibacterial medications if an infection is involved.