Endocarditis Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is endocarditis most often associated with?
Preexisting valvular disease, mechanical heart valves, congenital heart disease
Common types of valvular diseases include mitral and aortic valve disease.
What type of endocarditis affects the tricuspid and pulmonary valves?
Right-sided endocarditis
This type is commonly associated with IV drug use and certain medical devices.
Who is most likely to develop right-sided endocarditis?
People who use IV drugs, patients with infected central venous catheters, dialysis shunts, or transvenous pacing wires
These groups are at higher risk due to potential infection routes.
What is the primary cause of most endocarditis cases?
Bacterial infection
Bacteria can originate from various body systems.
Where do most organisms that cause endocarditis originate from?
Skin, upper airway, genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract
These areas can serve as sources for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
How can organisms gain access to the body leading to endocarditis?
Minor skin infection, dental procedure, upper respiratory infection, major operation, body piercing, tattooing
These activities can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.
What reflects the severity of a patient’s illness in endocarditis?
The virulence of the infecting organism
More virulent organisms lead to more severe symptoms.
What symptoms are associated with less virulent organisms in endocarditis?
Low-grade fever, symptoms developing over weeks to months
These cases tend to have a more gradual onset.
What symptoms are associated with virulent organisms in endocarditis?
High-grade fever, signs of serious illness developing over days to weeks
These cases can escalate quickly and require urgent medical attention.
What are the most common symptoms of infective endocarditis?
Fever and chills
Other symptoms may include headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle and joint aches and pains, night sweats, shortness of breath, or cough.
What signs may indicate heart failure in a patient with infective endocarditis?
Progressive heart valve destruction
This can lead to signs of heart failure due to the impact on cardiac function.
What ECG changes may occur if infective endocarditis invades the heart’s conduction system?
Prolonged PRI, third-degree AV block, LBBB
These changes indicate disturbances in the heart’s electrical conduction.
What are Janeway lesions?
Flat, painless, red-to-blue lesions on palms and soles
These lesions are associated with infective endocarditis.
What are Osler nodes?
Small, tender nodules on the pads of fingers or toes
These nodules can develop in some patients with infective endocarditis.
What is the primary focus of prehospital care?
Supportive care
Prehospital care aims to provide immediate support to patients before they reach a medical facility.
What position should the patient be allowed to assume?
A position of comfort
Allowing the patient to find a comfortable position can help alleviate distress.
What should be established as part of prehospital care?
An IV line
Establishing an IV line is crucial for administering fluids and medications.
What device should be applied to monitor oxygen levels?
Pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter is used to measure the oxygen saturation in a patient’s blood.
What should be administered if indicated during prehospital care?
Oxygen
Administering oxygen is vital for patients with respiratory distress or low oxygen saturation.
What should be done if the patient has heart failure?
Proceed according to local protocol or instructions from medical direction
Protocols may vary based on local guidelines and medical oversight.
What treatment will the patient usually receive at the medical facility for heart failure?
IV antibiotics
IV antibiotics are often necessary for treating infections related to heart conditions.
What might be necessary if a prosthetic valve is the site of infection?
An operation
Surgical intervention may be required to address infections involving prosthetic valves.
Can most patients with endocarditis be transported without lights and siren?
Yes
Most patients with endocarditis can be transported safely without urgent lights and siren.
What should you do if a patient refuses care?
Urge them to accept assistance and document the refusal
It is crucial to ensure the patient’s autonomy while also attempting to provide necessary care.
