A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client diagnosed with infective endocarditis with vegetation on the tricuspid valve. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Avoid sick contacts
You will require prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures.
You can discontinue your antibiotics once you start feeling better.
Avoid physical activity for the next six months to allow your heart to heal completely.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Avoiding sick contacts is generally a good practice, but it is not the primary concern for a client with infective endocarditis. The focus is on preventing bacterial infections that could enter the bloodstream and affect the heart valves.
B. Prophylactic antibiotics are required before dental and invasive procedures to prevent bacterial endocarditis recurrence. The bacteria that cause infective endocarditis can enter the bloodstream through procedures that involve mucosal surfaces.
C. Discontinuing antibiotics when feeling better is incorrect. Infective endocarditis requires a full course of IV antibiotics, often lasting 4 to 6 weeks, to fully eradicate the infection and prevent complications.
D. Avoiding physical activity for six months is unnecessary unless the client has severe cardiac complications. However, clients should monitor for symptoms such as fatigue and consult their provider before engaging in strenuous activities.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While potassium is typically diluted in IV fluids, the concentration and infusion rate must be clarified before administration. A standard dilution is 10 mEq in 100 mL or 40 mEq in 1L, but this must be verified.
B. Calling the physician for clarification is the safest step. IV potassium should never be given undiluted or as an IV push due to the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
C. IV push potassium is never appropriate as it can cause cardiac arrest.
D. Administering the undiluted 20 mEq/mL solution is dangerous and requires proper dilution before administration.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Elevated troponins are the most specific and sensitive markers for myocardial injury. Troponin I and Troponin T levels rise within a few hours of an AMI and remain elevated for days, confirming cardiac damage.
B. Elevated hemoglobin is not an indicator of cardiac injury. Hemoglobin levels are used to assess oxygen-carrying capacity and anemia.
C. Elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker for heart failure, not acute myocardial infarction.
D. Elevated creatine kinase (CK), particularly CK-MB, can indicate muscle injury, including cardiac injury, but it is less specific than troponins for diagnosing AMI.
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