A nurse is assessing a client who has infective endocarditis. Which of the following findings should be the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

Splinter hemorrhages to the nails

Fever

Clusters of petechiae in the mouth

Dyspnea

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Splinter hemorrhages are a common sign of infective endocarditis but are not immediately life-threatening.
B. Fever is a typical manifestation of infection and expected in infective endocarditis, not a priority unless unresponsive to treatment.
C. Clusters of petechiae in the mouth indicate microemboli or vascular involvement, but they are not an acute threat.
D. Dyspnea is the priority finding because it may indicate heart failure or pulmonary embolism, both of which are serious complications of infective endocarditis and require immediate intervention.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. An echocardiogram is the most helpful noninvasive tool for diagnosing cardiomyopathy. It provides detailed information about chamber size, wall motion, ventricular function, and left ventricular hypertrophy, all of which are essential in evaluating cardiomyopathy.
B. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) assess oxygenation and acid-base balance but do not provide structural or functional cardiac details.
C. Swan-Ganz analysis (pulmonary artery catheter) can measure pressures in the heart but is invasive and typically used for hemodynamic monitoring, not initial diagnosis.
D. Cardiac catheterization can show coronary anatomy and pressures, but it is not the first-line test for evaluating cardiomyopathy unless ischemic disease is suspected.

A. Prosthetic cardiac valves B. Sedentary lifestyle C. Radiation exposure D. Cardiac catheterization

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The presence of prosthetic heart valves is a significant risk factor for infective endocarditis due to the increased likelihood of bacterial colonization.
B. Sedentary lifestyle is not a direct risk factor for infective endocarditis, though it may contribute to other cardiovascular issues.
C. Radiation exposure – While it may affect cardiac tissue, it is not considered a risk factor for infective endocarditis.
D. Cardiac catheterization – While it is an invasive procedure, it is not a major or common risk factor for infective endocarditis compared to prosthetic valves or structural heart defects.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has infective endocarditis. Which of the following findings should be the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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