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