How does the nurse differentiate a pleural friction rub from a pericardial friction rub?

Answer: By listening closely to the sound produced by rubbing of the components.

Explanation: Pericardial friction rub may have one, two, or three audible components. The rubbing of three components distinguishes a pericardial rub and it can be used to diagnose pericarditis. The pericardial friction rub can be heard even after breathe has been ceased.

Pleural friction rub has two components. Pleural friction rub can be heard only during inspiration. the Pleural friction rub causes pain on the lateral part of the chest wall. The intensity of pleural friction rub increases by pressing the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the affected area.