A nurse is caring for a client with acute pericarditis who reports substernal precordial pain that radiates to the left side of the neck. Which nonpharmacologic comfort measure would the nurse implement?

A. Allow the client to lie in bed with the lights dim: While a dimly lit environment may reduce general stress, it does not specifically relieve the chest pain associated with acute pericarditis. Comfort measures must target the positional nature of pericardial pain. B. Provide a neck rub, especially on the left side: A neck rub may offer mild relaxation, but it does not address the underlying pericardial inflammation causing the substernal, radiating pain. This intervention is unlikely to significantly reduce discomfort. C. Sit the client up with a pillow to lean forward on: Pain from acute pericarditis is often relieved when the client leans forward, as this reduces pressure on the inflamed pericardial surfaces. Sitting upright and leaning forward helps decrease friction between the pericardium and the heart, providing nonpharmacologic relief. D. Apply an ice pack to the client's chest: Cold application may provide minimal relief for superficial musculoskeletal pain but is generally ineffective for the deep, inflammatory chest pain of pericarditis. It does not reduce pericardial friction or inflammation.