Question

The patient has endocarditis. Which findings does the nurse expect when assessing this patient? (Select all that apply.)

a. Pericardial friction rub
b. Osler's nodes
c. Petechiae
d. A new regurgitant murmur
e. Grating pain that is aggravated by breathing

Answer 1

In a patient with endocarditis, a nurse would typically expect to find Osler's nodes, petechiae, and a new regurgitant murmur. Signs such as a pericardial friction rub and grating pain during breathing are more typical of pericarditis, not endocarditis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a patient with endocarditis, a nurse can expect to find certain clinical features that are indicative of this condition. Endocarditis, which is an inflammation of the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart), is often caused by bacterial infection and can lead to complications such as heart valve damage. Common findings in endocarditis include Osler's nodes, which are painful, red, raised lesions found on the hands and feet, and petechiae, which are small, red or purple spots that can appear on the skin, mucous membranes, or whites of the eyes due to minor bleedings. Another characteristic sign of endocarditis is a new regurgitant murmur, which may indicate valve damage.

However, a pericardial friction rub and grating pain aggravated by breathing are typically associated with pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, rather than endocarditis. Pericarditis may share similar symptoms with endocarditis but has a distinct set of clinical features.