Question

Prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed for a child who has mitral valve damage. The nurse should advise the parents to give the antibiotics prior to which occurrence?

1) Adjustment of orthodontic appliances or braces
2) Loss of deciduous teeth (baby teeth)
3) Urinary catheterization
4) Insect bites

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the parents to administer prophylactic antibiotics to a child with mitral valve damage prior to the adjustment of orthodontic appliances or braces to prevent bacterial endocarditis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for patients with mitral valve damage to prevent bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the heart, particularly during procedures that may introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. The nurse should advise the parents to administer the antibiotics prior to dental procedures that risk bleeding, such as adjustment of orthodontic appliances or braces. This aligns with the guidelines suggesting preventative measures during dental work, as dental procedures can cause bacteremia with organisms like Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp., potentially leading to infective endocarditis in vulnerable individuals.