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 A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Progressive lengthening of the PR interval indicates a first-degree or potentially worsening second-degree AV block. Notifying the provider is essential to prevent further conduction deterioration and potential progression to complete heart block, which can be life-threatening.
B. Increasing activity could exacerbate bradycardia or AV block symptoms (e.g., dizziness, syncope) and is unsafe in this context.
C. Beta-blockers like metoprolol can further slow AV conduction, potentially worsening the block, so giving it without provider consultation is unsafe.
D. Atropine is indicated for symptomatic bradycardia, but this patient currently has a normal HR (78) and is asymptomatic. Immediate administration is not warranted; the priority is assessment and provider notification.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While stress can contribute to arrhythmias, it is not the highest risk factor for atrial flutter. Stress alone is less likely to trigger atrial flutter without underlying cardiac disease.
B. The client who is recovering from a recent illness that caused vomiting and diarrhea – Electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and diarrhea can predispose to arrhythmias, but the risk is temporary and generally lower compared with structural heart disease.
C. The client whose mother and uncle were diagnosed with this same condition – A family history increases susceptibility, but genetic predisposition alone is not the highest risk factor for atrial flutter.
D. Structural heart disease, such as ischemic heart disease following a myocardial infarction (MI), is a major risk factor for developing atrial flutter because damaged atrial tissue can create abnormal electrical pathways that facilitate reentry circuits, leading to flutter.
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