Question

A patient is admitted for pericarditis. In order to assist the patient to feel more comfortable, what does the nurse instruct the patient to do?

a. Sit in a semi-Fowler's position with pillows under the arms.
b. Lie on the side in a fetal position.
c. Sit up and lean forward.
d. Lie down and bend the legs at the knees.

Answer 1

The most comfortable position for a patient with pericarditis is to sit up and lean forward, which helps minimize the heart's movement against the inflamed pericardium and alleviate pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

To alleviate discomfort for a patient suffering from pericarditis, the nurse should instruct the patient to sit up and lean forward. This position tends to ease the pressure and pain that are typically associated with this condition. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, which is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. Lying down flat on the back may increase pain and discomfort due to the pericardial layers rubbing together.

The semi-Fowler's position with pillows under the arms or lying on the side might provide some relief, but sitting upright and leaning forward takes advantage of gravity to help minimize the heart's movement against the inflamed pericardium, which could better alleviate the patient's pain.