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 is a surgical procedure for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, not atrial fibrillation. It is unrelated to managing AF or symptomatic palpitations.
B. This procedure is used for continuous drainage of pericardial effusions or cardiac tamponade, not for treating atrial fibrillation.
C. This is the treatment of choice for symptomatic atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response when medication is insufficient or immediate rhythm control is needed. The procedure delivers a controlled electrical shock synchronized with the QRS complex to restore normal sinus rhythm safely.
D. This is used to remove excess fluid from the pericardial sac in cases of pericardial effusion or tamponade, not for atrial fibrillation management.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can significantly affect skeletal and cardiac muscle function, leading to generalized fatigue, muscle weakness, cramping, and in severe cases, paralysis or life-threatening arrhythmias. Clients taking loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) or thiazide diuretics are particularly at risk, as these medications increase potassium excretion in the urine. Monitoring for early signs of hypokalemia allows timely intervention with dietary potassium or supplementation.
B. Shortness of breath is more indicative of pulmonary congestion or fluid overload associated with heart failure rather than low potassium levels. While hypokalemia can indirectly affect cardiac function, dyspnea is not a primary manifestation.
C. Reduced urine output is associated with renal insufficiency, dehydration, or hypovolemia, not directly with hypokalemia from diuretic use.
D. Edema results from excess fluid retention in the interstitial space, often related to heart failure or renal disease, and is not a direct sign of hypokalemia.
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