Which treatment best applies to the care of a client newly diagnosed with infective endocarditis?
Complete bedrest for the duration of the treatment with subcutaneous enoxaparin.
Long-term anticoagulant therapy with IV heparin followed by oral warfarin.
Administration of IV penicillin, followed by oral penicillin for 10 weeks.
Hospitalization for initial IV antibiotics, followed by continued IV antibiotics at home.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Complete bedrest for the duration of the treatment with subcutaneous enoxaparin is not the best approach for managing infective endocarditis. While bed rest may be recommended initially to reduce cardiac workload, long-term bed rest is not necessary and could lead to complications such as muscle atrophy or thromboembolism. Subcutaneous enoxaparin is used for prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis, but it does not address the underlying infection.
Choice B reason: Long-term anticoagulant therapy with IV heparin followed by oral warfarin is not the standard treatment for infective endocarditis. Although anticoagulant therapy may be necessary in some cases, such as for patients with prosthetic valves or specific cardiac conditions, it is not the primary treatment for the infection itself. The focus should be on eradicating the infection with appropriate antibiotics.
Choice C reason: Administration of IV penicillin, followed by oral penicillin for 10 weeks, is not the typical treatment regimen for infective endocarditis. While penicillin may be part of the antibiotic therapy, the duration and route of administration need to be tailored to the specific causative organism and the patient's clinical condition. Usually, a combination of antibiotics and a specific treatment plan is developed based on culture and sensitivity results.
Choice D reason: Hospitalization for initial IV antibiotics, followed by continued IV antibiotics at home, is the best treatment approach for a client newly diagnosed with infective endocarditis. This allows for intensive management and monitoring during the critical initial phase of treatment, ensuring that the infection is adequately controlled. Transitioning to continued IV antibiotics at home provides the necessary long-term therapy while allowing the patient to recover in a familiar environment. This approach ensures compliance with the treatment regimen and reduces the risk of complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A urine output of 40 mL/hr is within the acceptable range, as normal urine output is typically around 30-50 mL/hr. While it should be monitored, it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening issue requiring urgent assessment.
Choice B reason: A blood pressure change from 128/74 to 110/88 mmHg may indicate potential hemodynamic instability. Although the systolic blood pressure has decreased, the diastolic pressure has increased, which can be concerning. This patient may be at risk for developing more significant blood pressure changes or other complications, making this situation the highest priority for assessment.
Choice C reason: An oxygen saturation level of 94% is generally considered acceptable. While it is on the lower end of the normal range, it does not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition. Continuous monitoring is important, but it is not the most urgent situation compared to the blood pressure change.
Choice D reason: A pulse change from 100 to 88 beats/min represents a decrease in heart rate but remains within the normal range for adult heart rate (60-100 beats/min). While this change should be noted and monitored, it is not as urgent as the blood pressure change that may indicate hemodynamic instability.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Explaining that diarrhea is expected and that it is how the body gets rid of ammonia is accurate. Lactulose is often prescribed for patients with hepatic encephalopathy, and its purpose is to reduce blood ammonia levels by promoting bowel movements. Diarrhea is a common and anticipated side effect, as it helps eliminate ammonia from the body.
Choice B reason: Recommending Kaopectate for loose stools is not appropriate in this context. Kaopectate is an anti-diarrheal medication, and using it would counteract the effect of lactulose, which aims to promote bowel movements to reduce ammonia levels.
Choice C reason: Instructing the patient to stop taking the medication until stools firm up is incorrect. Lactulose should be continued as prescribed to maintain its therapeutic effect of reducing blood ammonia levels. Stopping the medication would negate its benefits and potentially worsen the patient's condition.
Choice D reason: Suggesting to send a stool specimen to the laboratory is unnecessary in this scenario. Diarrhea is an expected side effect of lactulose, and there is no indication that a stool specimen needs to be analyzed unless there are signs of infection or other complications.
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.