When caring for a patient with infective endocarditis of the ...

[sheilaspns]

When caring for a patient with infective endocarditis of the tricuspid valve, the nurse should monitor the patient for the development of
 
  a. flank pain.
  b. splenomegaly.
  c. shortness of breath.
  d. mental status changes.

Question 2

A patient recovering from heart surgery develops pericarditis and complains of level 6 (0 to 10 scale) chest pain with deep breathing. Which ordered PRN medication will be the most appropriate for the nurse to give?
 
  a. Fentanyl 1 mg IV
  b. IV morphine sulfate 4 mg
  c. Oral ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg
  d. Oral acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg

[Madisongo23]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Embolization from the tricuspid valve would cause symptoms of pulmonary embolus. Flank pain, changes in mental status, and splenomegaly would be associated with embolization from the left-sided valves.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The pain associated with pericarditis is caused by inflammation, so nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen) are most effective. Opioid analgesics are usually not used for the pain associated with pericarditis.

[sheilaspns]

Thank you

[Madisongo23]

Happy to help you