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 D
Explanation
A. NSTEMI (Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) does not present with ST-segment elevation on the ECG. Instead, it shows ST-segment depression or T-wave inversion and is diagnosed with elevated cardiac biomarkers.
B. Stable angina is predictable chest pain that occurs with exertion and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. It does not cause acute ECG changes.
C. Unstable angina is characterized by chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and is not relieved by nitroglycerin. However, it does not show ST-segment elevation or myocardial infarction markers.
D. STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) is diagnosed when there is ST-segment elevation in two or more contiguous ECG leads, indicating complete occlusion of a coronary artery and requiring immediate intervention such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic therapy.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
- Myocardial infarction (MI) is suggested by chest pain radiating to the left arm, diaphoresis, shortness of breath, and epigastric discomfort. The pain described as "sharp, tight, and like indigestion" aligns with cardiac ischemia.
- Administering oxygen helps improve myocardial oxygenation, reducing ischemia.
- Aspirin 325 mg is a standard intervention in suspected MI to prevent further platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of worsening thrombosis in the coronary arteries.
- Monitoring vital signs is critical to assess for hemodynamic stability and signs of worsening cardiac function (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia).
- Monitoring ECG rhythm helps detect ST-elevation or other ischemic changes and assess for life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Morphine may be used for chest pain, but it is now considered secondary to nitroglycerin and beta-blockers.
- Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used for rate control in arrhythmias but is not first-line for acute MI.
- Platelet count and WBC count are not immediately relevant to MI management.
- Serum glucose levels may be affected by stress but are not a primary concern in acute MI management.
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