Word parts
What it means
Infective endocarditis happens when bacteria or fungi in the blood stick to the heart valves or lining and form clumps (vegetations). It can destroy valves and send pieces into the brain, lungs or other organs. People at higher risk include those with artificial valves, past endocarditis, some heart defects, IV drug use, and long-term IV lines. Diagnosis uses blood cultureBLUD KUL-cherA test in which blood is placed in bottles and watched to see whether bacteria or fungi grow from it.Full entry s and an echocardiogram.
For the nurse
Treatment is weeks of IV antibiotics, often at home through a long-term IV line. Teach good dental care; clients at highest risk may be given antibiotics before some dental work. Report new heart murmurs, signs of stroke or shortness of breath.
At a glance
| Spanish | endocarditis |
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Related terms
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
blood culture
A test in which blood is placed in bottles and watched to see whether bacteria or fungi grow from it.
endo-
A word beginning that means inside or within.
myocardium
The thick middle layer of the heart wall, made of heart muscle that contracts to pump blood.