A patient presents to the emergency department complaining of severe chest pain. On examination, you note a temperature of 102.5ºF, a white blood count of 20,000/μL, and a friction rub near the lower left sternal border when the breath is held. What is the likely diagnosis?
A) Pleuritis
B) Pneumonia
C) Myocarditis
D) Pericarditis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms and signs, including chest pain, fever, elevated white blood cell count, and a friction rub, are indicative of pericarditis, which is inflammation of the pericardium. The friction rub is a classic sign of pericarditis.

A Patient Presents to the Emergency Department Complaining of Severe