A Patient with Fevers Flashcards
1
Q
What predisposes you to developing bacterial endocarditis
A
- Skin breaches
- immunosuppression
- renal failure
- IV drug users
2
Q
If a patient has a predisposition to bacterial endocarditis what can trigger an episode
A
- IV drug line s
- catheters
- needles
- dental procedures
3
Q
List the stereotype of features/rule of thumb for diagnosing bacterial endocarditis
A
- fever greater than a week and a new murmur
- night sweats
- riggers
- malaise
- weight loss and anaemia
4
Q
What can you see on the hands of patients with bacterial endocarditis
A
Clubbing
Janeway lesions
Splinter haemorrhages
5
Q
What features would you look for in the head and neck?
A
- Small red spots in the conjunctiva of the eyes - conjunctival haemorrhages
- small red or purple spots on the skin
6
Q
Why would you do a neurological examination? What might you find?
A
Stroke can develop from bacterial endocarditis
7
Q
What would you examine in the feet of someone with bacterial endocarditis
A
painful red lumps in the pads of the fingers and toes
Janeway lesions
