Infective endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart (endocardium) and often involves the valves of the heart as well as any areas with abnormal connections between the chambers of the heart or its blood vessels. It occurs when bacteria in the bloodstream clump on previously injured heart valves. Risk factors for endocarditis include injection drug use; compromised immune system;…
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Correctional Nurse Professional Update: Saying “No” to Patient Requests
As nurses, we want to provide quality and appropriate health care to our patients. In the correctional environment, we understand that our patients can’t just decide to go to another practice or bring themselves to the urgent care or emergency department for their symptoms, and so it is even more important that we collect the necessary subjective information and complete…
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Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Dental Clues to Clinical Conditions
The mouth can provide clues to many medical conditions and drug side effects. Here are some of the most common conditions that may be detected during an oral exam.