A patient is admitted to the hospital with possible acute ...

[cherise1989]

A patient is admitted to the hospital with possible acute pericarditis. The nurse should plan to teach the patient about the purpose of
 
  a. echocardiography.
  b. daily blood cultures.
  c. cardiac catheterization.
  d. 24-hour Holter monitor.

Question 2

When planning care for a patient hospitalized with a streptococcal infective endocarditis (IE), which intervention is a priority for the nurse to include?
 
  a. Monitor labs for streptococcal antibodies.
  b. Arrange for placement of a long-term IV catheter.
  c. Teach the importance of completing all oral antibiotics.
  d. Encourage the patient to begin regular aerobic exercise.

[Jody Vaughn]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Echocardiograms are useful in detecting the presence of the pericardial effusions associated with pericarditis. Blood cultures are not indicated unless the patient has evidence of sepsis. Cardiac catheterization and 24-hour Holter monitor is not a diagnostic procedure for pericarditis.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Treatment for IE involves 4 to 6 weeks of IV antibiotic therapy in order to eradicate the bacteria, which will require a long-term IV catheter such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. Rest periods and limiting physical activity to a moderate level are recommended during the treatment for IE. Oral antibiotics are not effective in eradicating the infective bacteria that cause IE. Blood cultures, rather than antibody levels, are used to monitor the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.

[cherise1989]

Gracias!

[softEldritch]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it