Which assessment finding would the nurse expect in a patient diagnosed with acute pericarditis?

A. While aspirin has analgesic properties, it is not primarily used for pain relief in the case of myocardial infarction (MI). Its main role in MI is to reduce the risk of further clot formation.
B. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties, but in the case of MI, its primary role is not inflammation reduction but rather preventing platelet aggregation.
C. Aspirin acts as an antiplatelet aggregate, which is its key action in preventing the formation of blood clots. This is crucial for patients with a history of MI, as it helps reduce the risk of further clot-related events, such as a recurrent MI or stroke.
D. Aspirin does have antipyretic effects, but this is not the primary reason for its use in MI.

A. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop after a fracture, but Buck's traction does not directly prevent or treat arthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis is a long-term complication that is managed through other interventions such as physical therapy or joint replacement if necessary.
B. Intra-articular adhesions refer to scar tissue formation inside the joint, which is not the primary focus of Buck's traction. Buck's traction is used to immobilize the limb and reduce muscle spasm, not to address intra-articular issues.
C. Extra-articular adhesions involve the formation of scar tissue outside the joint and are not specifically targeted by Buck's traction. The primary goal of the boot is to reduce muscle spasm and maintain alignment.
D. Muscle spasm is the primary condition that Buck's traction helps decrease. The boot applies a gentle, continuous pull on the limb, which helps to alleviate muscle spasms, reduce pain, and maintain proper alignment while the fracture heals.