Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following is not a common sign of pericarditis?

1. Sharp chest pain when lying down

2. Low-grade fever

3. Severe abdominal pain

4. Dry cough

The correct answer is: Severe abdominal pain

Severe abdominal pain is not typically associated with pericarditis. This condition is primarily characterized by chest pain that is often sharp and can worsen when lying down or breathing deeply. In addition to the chest pain, patients may experience low-grade fever and a dry cough, as these symptoms can arise from the inflammatory nature of pericarditis. The inflammation of the pericardium can lead to irritation of surrounding structures, resulting in sensations that might mimic other types of discomfort, but abdominal pain is more often linked to gastrointestinal issues rather than pericarditis itself.