What should the nurse teach the patient who has endocarditis about preventing recurrence of the infections?
Always maintain continuous antibiotic therapy to prevent the development of any systemic infection.
Take one aspirin a day to prevent vegetative lesions from forming around the valves.
Obtain prophylactic antibiotic therapy before certain invasive medical or dental procedures.
Start on antibiotic therapy when exposed to persons with infections.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Continuous antibiotic therapy is not typically recommended for preventing recurrence of endocarditis. Instead, endocarditis prophylaxis involves administering antibiotics only before certain invasive procedures that have a risk of introducing bacteria into the bloodstream.
B. Taking aspirin is not a recommended strategy for preventing endocarditis or vegetative lesions on heart valves. The formation of vegetative lesions in endocarditis is related to the presence of infection and not typically prevented by aspirin.
C. This is the correct recommendation for preventing recurrence of endocarditis. Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended before certain invasive procedures, such as dental work or surgery, to prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream and causing endocarditis. This is especially important for patients with prosthetic heart valves, a history of endocarditis, or certain congenital heart defects.
D. Starting antibiotic therapy based on exposure to persons with infections is not a standard or effective strategy for preventing endocarditis. The focus of endocarditis prevention is on specific prophylaxis before high-risk procedures rather than general antibiotic use based on exposure to infected individuals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A 4 cm aneurysm in a young patient, especially one as young as 28 years old, would typically be monitored more closely rather than immediately undergoing surgery. Surgical intervention is more commonly considered for larger aneurysms or in cases where there are other risk factors or symptoms present.
B. Marfan's syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and is associated with a higher risk of developing aortic aneurysms, including abdominal aortic aneurysms. Patients with Marfan's syndrome are at a greater risk of aneurysm growth and rupture due to the weakened connective tissue.
C. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for the growth and rupture of an AAA. While managing hypertension with beta-blockers is important in controlling the risk, the presence of hypertension alone does not necessarily indicate that surgical intervention is immediately necessary
D. While patient concerns and anxiety about their condition are valid and important, expressing concern about dying does not directly determine the need for surgical intervention. Surgical decisions are based on objective clinical criteria, such as the size of the aneurysm, growth rate, symptoms, and overall health of the patient.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle refers to the thickening of the walls of the right ventricle of the heart. Hypertrophy of the right ventricle is not a typical consequence of rheumatic fever. Instead, rheumatic fever more commonly affects the heart valves.
B. Superior vena cava syndrome occurs when there is obstruction of the superior vena cava, which is a major vein that carries blood from the head, neck, and upper body to the heart. It is not a direct consequence of rheumatic fever.
C. Valvular heart disease is a significant long-term consequence of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause inflammation of the heart valves, leading to damage that may result in stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage) of the valves. The mitral and aortic valves are most commonly affected. This damage can progress over time and lead to chronic heart problems, including valvular heart disease.
D. Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It can be caused by various conditions, including chronic lung diseases and left heart disease. While rheumatic fever primarily affects the heart valves and can potentially lead to heart failure, it is not a direct cause of pulmonary hypertension.
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