A nurse is caring for a 49-year-old client who is recovering from valve replacement surgery. Three days after the surgery, the nurse suspects that the client has developed infective endocarditis. Which of the following signs or symptoms would indicate that this condition has developed in the client?
a. A red, beefy tongue and difficulty swallowing
b. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea causing electrolyte imbalances
c. Low-grade fever, splinter hemorrhages
d. A slapped-cheek appearance and profuse sweating
c. Low-grade fever, splinter hemorrhages
rationale: "Low-grade fever, splinter hemorrhages" is correct. Infective endocarditis is a serious infection of bacteria or fungi that affects the heart valves and surrounding structures. The client may develop weight loss, fever, a cardiac murmur, splenomegaly, and skin changes. The characteristic skin changes associated with infective endocarditis are generalized rashes and small hemorrhages in the nail beds, known as splinter hemorrhages.
You might also like to view...
As a follow-up to the introduction of a new medication regimen for an older adult client, the physician is interpreting the client's recent blood work, paying particular attention to the client's serum creatinine (Cr) levels
(normal range 0.6 to 1.2 mg/100 mL) and glomerular filtration rate or GFR (normal value >60 mL/minute). Which of the following lab results would be considered typical of an older adult with impaired renal function? A) Cr 1.8; GFR 66 B) Cr 2.3; GFR 30 C) Cr 0.5; GFR 58 D) Cr 1.1; GFR 22
At the conclusion of a health history the nurse conducts a spiritual assessment with the patient. Why is this assessment important?
A) Strong spiritual beliefs facilitate health and healing B) A spiritual crisis can trigger a psychosomatic disease C) It is the nurse's job to facilitate communication between the patient and the clergy D) The nurse needs to be careful that therapeutic regimens do not violate a patient's religious beliefs
In mitral stenosis, the murmur occurs:
A. From S1 through S2 as a holosystolic murmur B. After an opening snap that is heard after S2 during diastole C. As a soft mid-systolic click D. A loud crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur
A nurse was identified as an alcoholic. She completed a substance abuse treatment program and
returned to work. The nurse manager determines that the nurse has had a relapse and has begun drinking again. Which action is most appropriate for the nurse manager to take? A) Accommodate the nurse's need for alcohol but ensure the safety of patients. B) Recognize that the nurse qualifies as disabled under the ADA but will still be held to the same employment and job performance standards as other employees. C) Maintain the nurse as an employee while awaiting action of the Board of Nurse Examiners. D) Terminate the nurse and report her to the Board of Nurse Examiners.