What is the classic sign of pericarditis during assessment?

The classic sign of pericarditis during assessment is chest pain that improves with sitting up. In patients with pericarditis, the pain is often sharp and located in the anterior chest, and it can be exacerbated by changes in position, especially when lying flat. Sitting up or leaning forward commonly alleviates this chest pain. This characteristic helps differentiate pericarditis from other causes of chest pain, such as myocardial infarction or pulmonary issues, where the position may not significantly affect pain.

The pain associated with pericarditis can result from inflammation of the pericardial sac, leading to irritation. This unique feature of pain relief when sitting or leaning forward is pivotal in clinical assessment and aids in establishing the correct diagnosis. Understanding these nuances is essential for acute care nurse practitioners to effectively assess and triage patients presenting with chest pain.