What is a common physical finding in patients with pericarditis?

A common physical finding in patients with pericarditis is a low-grade temperature, which is typically observed due to the inflammatory process associated with the condition. Pericarditis often results from viral infections or other inflammatory conditions, leading to symptoms such as fever, pain, and discomfort in the chest area. The presence of a low-grade fever helps to differentiate pericarditis from other causes of chest pain, as it indicates an inflammatory response.

This is consistent with the pathophysiology of pericarditis, where inflammation in the pericardial layer can trigger systemic symptoms, including fever. While other options may represent symptoms of various conditions, a low-grade temperature aligns directly with the inflammatory nature of pericarditis and reflects the body's response to this condition.