A nurse is providing education to the family of a client who has infectious endocarditis. which of the following statements made by the nurse is accurate regarding this condition?
"Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium resulting from a bloodborne pathogen that adheres to an injured part of the endocardium.
"Only children with congenital heart disease are at risk for endocarditis, so your child likely has an underlying condition."
"Endocarditis and its sequalae are localized to the heart and do not typically impact other parts of the body."
"Endocarditis only occurs in children who are immunocompromised, because they are not able to fight off the bacterial infection in the heart."
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. This statement is accurate. Infective endocarditis occurs when bacteria or other pathogens in the bloodstream attach to damaged areas of the endocardium or heart valves, leading to vegetation formation and potential systemic complications.
B. This is incorrect because anyone with predisposing factors, such as prosthetic heart valves, previous endocarditis, or certain cardiac lesions, can develop endocarditis. It is not limited to children or congenital heart disease.
C. This is incorrect because infective endocarditis can have systemic effects, including septic emboli, stroke, renal infarction, and other organ involvement.
D. While immunocompromised patients are at increased risk, endocarditis can occur in any patient with susceptible cardiac endothelium or exposure to pathogens, regardless of age or immune status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. This would indicate possible fluid retention or worsening heart function, not effective diuretic therapy. Effective diuretics usually help reduce fluid overload, which may lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
B. Rapid weight gain is a sign of fluid retention, which suggests diuretic therapy is not effective or the patient’s heart failure is worsening.
C. These findings indicate that excess fluid is being successfully removed from the body. Decreased swelling in the extremities and improved respiratory status reflect effective diuresis and improved cardiac function, which is the goal of therapy.
D. While these can occur due to electrolyte imbalances caused by diuretics, they are adverse effects rather than indicators of effectiveness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While infection monitoring is important, the risk immediately post-procedure is low; infection typically develops later, not immediately.
B. Immediately following a heart catheterization, there is a risk of arrhythmias, bleeding, or hemodynamic instability, making continuous monitoring of cardiac rhythm and vital signs critical to detect complications early.
C. Routine glucose monitoring is not specifically indicated unless the patient has diabetes; it is not a priority related to the catheterization procedure.
D. While ongoing hydration and diet are part of overall care, they are not immediate priorities in the immediate post-catheterization period.
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