Final answer:
In myocarditis, a nurse may find splinter hemorrhages and the presence of Osler's nodes during the initial assessment, although they are more typically associated with infectious endocarditis. These symptoms are possible due to the inflammatory process that can affect the heart in similar ways in both conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is admitted with myocarditis, a nurse might find a range of clinical signs and symptoms during the initial assessment. Although splinter hemorrhages and the presence of Osler's nodes are more typically associated with infectious endocarditis, they can occasionally be found in myocarditis as well. Both conditions affect the heart and may present with similar symptoms due to the inflammatory process.
Splinter hemorrhages are tiny blood clots that run vertically under the nails, and Osler's nodes are painful, red or purple, raised lesions found on the hands or feet. Both are signs of infective endocarditis but can emerge in myocarditis if the inflammation is severe or if there is an overlapping infective process. Nonetheless, a nurse should assess for a range of symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, and signs of congestive heart failure.