In this post, we continue with our discussion of Infective Endocarditis with its signs and symptoms and diagnosis. SYMPTOMS OF INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS Acute bacterial endocarditis usually begins suddenly with a high fever (102° to 104°F); tachycardia; fatigue; and rapid and extensive damage to the heart valves which cause symptoms of heart failure, like shortness of breath and lower extremity edema. Subacute bacterial endocarditis symptoms…
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Correctional Nurse Clinical Update: Endocarditis I
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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