Which finding is consistent with acute pericarditis?

A. Pain that radiates down the left arm only with exertion
B. Pain relieved by antacids
C. Sharp chest pain that improves when the client sits up and leans forward
D. Crushing chest pain relieved by rest

Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C

Pericarditis typically causes sharp, pleuritic chest pain that improves when sitting forward and worsens lying down, often with a pericardial friction rub.

Source: ESC. 2025 Guidelines for the Management of Myocarditis and Pericarditis

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This question is one of 162 Physiological Adaptation items in NCLEXSim. On the NCLEX-RN, this category makes up 11–17% of the exam.

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Study emergencies as a sequence: what you see, what it means, what you do first (DKA, sepsis, stroke, PE, anaphylaxis, tension pneumothorax).
Review fluid and electrolyte imbalances by their ECG and neuromuscular signs (peaked T waves, Chvostek and Trousseau signs).

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Which finding is consistent with acute pericarditis?

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