A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client diagnosed with infective endocarditis with vegetation on the tricuspid valve. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Avoid sick contacts
You will require prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures.
You can discontinue your antibiotics once you start feeling better.
Avoid physical activity for the next six months to allow your heart to heal completely.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Avoiding sick contacts is generally a good practice, but it is not the primary concern for a client with infective endocarditis. The focus is on preventing bacterial infections that could enter the bloodstream and affect the heart valves.
B. Prophylactic antibiotics are required before dental and invasive procedures to prevent bacterial endocarditis recurrence. The bacteria that cause infective endocarditis can enter the bloodstream through procedures that involve mucosal surfaces.
C. Discontinuing antibiotics when feeling better is incorrect. Infective endocarditis requires a full course of IV antibiotics, often lasting 4 to 6 weeks, to fully eradicate the infection and prevent complications.
D. Avoiding physical activity for six months is unnecessary unless the client has severe cardiac complications. However, clients should monitor for symptoms such as fatigue and consult their provider before engaging in strenuous activities.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves on the ECG. Instead, there are fibrillatory waves due to chaotic atrial activity, and the ventricular rate may be rapid or controlled.
B. Junctional rhythm originates from the AV node and is typically characterized by absent or inverted P waves, a narrow QRS complex, and a regular rhythm.
C. First-degree heart block presents with a prolonged PR interval (>0.20 seconds) but has a regular rhythm and identifiable P waves preceding each QRS complex.
D. Sinus tachycardia is a regular rhythm with a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute, with distinct P waves before each QRS complex.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While potassium is typically diluted in IV fluids, the concentration and infusion rate must be clarified before administration. A standard dilution is 10 mEq in 100 mL or 40 mEq in 1L, but this must be verified.
B. Calling the physician for clarification is the safest step. IV potassium should never be given undiluted or as an IV push due to the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
C. IV push potassium is never appropriate as it can cause cardiac arrest.
D. Administering the undiluted 20 mEq/mL solution is dangerous and requires proper dilution before administration.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
