An IV drug abuser walks into the ED telling the nurse that, "he is sick." He looks feverish with flushed, moist skin; dehydrated with dry lips/mucous membranes; and fatigued. The assessment reveals a loud murmur
An echocardiogram was ordered that shows a large vegetation growing on his mitral valve. The patient is admitted to the ICU. The nurse will be assessing this patient for which possible life-threatening complications?
A)
Systemic emboli, especially to the brain
B)
Petechial hemorrhages under the skin and nail beds
C)
GI upset from the massive amount of antibiotics required to kill the bacteria
D)
Pancreas enlargement due to increased need for insulin secretion
Ans:
A
Feedback:
Systemic emboli develop and break off the mitral valve and travel into the vascular system. There is a high probability that the emboli could lodge in the brain, kidneys, lower extremities, etc. Answer choice B refers that petechial hemorrhages are signs and symptoms of IE. GI upset is common following antibiotic therapy but is not usually life threatening. Stress can increase insulin needs but not associated with pancreas enlargement.
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