The nurse is caring for a patient complaining of chest pain related to pericarditis. To help relieve the pain, the nurse should instruct the patient to
Explanation
• Pericarditis is
• Instructing the patient to lean forward will pull the heart away from the lungs, preventing pericardial irritation caused by friction and contact with the lungs.
• Incorrect: Pain related to pericarditis worsens while in any lying position.