Infective Endocarditis Flashcards
(7 cards)
Which of the following is the most common cause of infective endocarditis?
A) Streptococcus
B) Escherichia coli
C) Mycobacterium tuberculosis
D) Haemophilus influenzae
A) Streptococcus
Rationale: Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are the most common causative organisms for infective endocarditis, infecting the endocardium and heart valves.
Which of the following is a classic manifestation of infective endocarditis?
A) Bradycardia
B) Splinter hemorrhages
C) Periorbital edema
D) Hemoptysis
B) Splinter hemorrhages
Rationale: Splinter hemorrhages (small, red or brown streaks under the nails) are a key manifestation of infective endocarditis. Other symptoms include flulike symptoms, petechiae, Osler’s nodes, and Janeway lesions.
Which of the following is a major risk factor for infective endocarditis?
A) High cholesterol levels
B) Recent dental cleaning
C) Hypertension
D) Hyperglycemia
B) Recent dental cleaning
Rationale: Dental cleaning or poor dentition can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, increasing the risk for infective endocarditis, particularly in individuals with valvular disorders, prosthetic heart valves, or a history of rheumatic heart disease.
A patient with infective endocarditis presents with Osler’s nodes and Janeway lesions. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A) Administer pain medication for relief of skin lesions
B) Perform a focused cardiovascular assessment to check for murmurs
C) Prepare the patient for a coronary artery bypass graft surgery
D) Restrict fluid intake to reduce swelling
B) Perform a focused cardiovascular assessment to check for murmurs
Rationale: Osler’s nodes and Janeway lesions are associated with infective endocarditis. A focused cardiovascular assessment, including auscultation for heart murmurs, is essential in evaluating the extent of valve damage or dysfunction, which is common in this condition.
A patient diagnosed with infective endocarditis is prescribed antibiotic therapy. Which of the following is the most important nursing consideration when administering antibiotics to this patient?
A) Monitor for signs of electrolyte imbalances
B) Ensure the patient adheres to the full course of antibiotics
C) Monitor for signs of hypotension
D) Limit physical activity to prevent further embolism
B) Ensure the patient adheres to the full course of antibiotics
Rationale: It is crucial for patients with infective endocarditis to adhere to the full course of antibiotics to effectively treat the infection and prevent further complications, including valve damage and embolism. The treatment must target the specific causative agent identified through lab work.
A patient with infective endocarditis requires valve replacement surgery due to extensive damage. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the valve damage?
A) Bacterial infection leading to valvular destruction
B) Chronic hypertension causing increased valve strain
C) Atherosclerosis leading to plaque formation on valves
D) Acute myocardial infarction causing valve rupture
A) Bacterial infection leading to valvular destruction
Rationale: In infective endocarditis, bacterial infection causes the formation of vegetations on the heart valves, leading to valvular destruction and, in some cases, the need for valve replacement surgery.
Which diagnostic test is most likely to confirm the diagnosis of infective endocarditis?
A) Chest X-ray
B) Echocardiogram
C) Liver function test
D) CT scan of the abdomen
B) Echocardiogram
Rationale: An echocardiogram is the primary diagnostic tool for identifying vegetations on the heart valves and assessing the extent of the damage caused by infective endocarditis.
