Pediatric Nursing Demystified

Bacterial Endocarditis

What Went Wrong?

Bacterial endocarditis (BE) is an infection of the valves and inner lining of the

heart. It mostly affects children with

Valvular abnormalities

Prosthetic valves

Ventricular septal defects

Patent ductus arteriosus

Tetralogy of Fallot

Rheumatic heart disease

The most common causing agent is

Streptococcus viridans

Staphylococcus aureus

Gram-negative bacteria

Signs and Symptoms

Slow-onset low-grade intermittent fever

Malaise

Myalgias

Arthralgias

Headache

Diaphoresis

Weight loss

Test Results

Growth of organism and identification of causative agent

Treatment

High-dose antibiotics such as ampicillin, methicillin, cloxacillin, strep-

tomycin, or gentamicin

Blood cultures often used to identify organism

Nursing Intervention

Counsel parents for the need of prophylactic antibiotic therapy before

procedures and dental work.

Counsel children to maintain good oral health to avoid infections from

oral cavities.

Teach patient and family to notify physician of any in behavior such as

• Lethargy


• Malaise


• Anorexia


• Extensive hospitalization for parenteral therapy.

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CHAPTER 6/ Cardiovascular Conditions^121