| Abstract: | Acute pericarditis (AP) is inflammation of the outermost layer of the heart due to infectious or noninfectious etiologies that result in increased pericardial vascular permeability, cardiac motion restriction, and augmented electrophysiology. It is a clinical diagnosis based on the presence of at least 2 of 4 clinical manifestations: pleuritic chest pain, pericardial friction rub, widespread ST elevation or PR depression, and new or worsening pericardial effusion. Nurse practitioners in primary and acute care settings need to recognize the hallmark finding of new global ST elevation or PR depression on electrocardiogram, appropriately prescribe nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs while minimizing side effects, and coordinate interdisciplinary care to reduce morbidity and mortality of AP in adult and older adult populations. |
