Pericarditis/Endocarditis Flashcards
What is infective endocarditis?
a bacterial or fungal infection of the endocardium
What structures are affected with IE?
heart valves
chordae tendineae
cardiac septum
lining of chambers
any prosthetic valves
What are the causative agents of IE?
S. aureus and S. viridans
what are the ports of entry for IE?
oral
skin rash or lesions
abscesses
systemic infections
invasive procedures
IV line placement
who are at risk for infective endocarditis?
IV drug users
HIV/AIDS
kids with congenital defects
pts with prosthetic heart valves
body piercings
sometimes rheumatic fever
Why does endocarditis pose a threat to the heart valves?
endocardium lines the inner surface of the heart chambers and covers the heart valves
s/s of IE
petechiae
splinter hemorrhages
Osler nodes
Janeway lesions
murmur
What are some complications of IE?
HF
arterial embolism
any organ infarction
what are the diagnostics for IE?
blood cultures
echo to show vegetation
Transesophageal echocardiogram to better visualize the prosthetic valves
what is the tx for infective endocarditis?
6 weeks of antibiotics (penicillin or cephalosporins)
or surgically remove infected valve
What is acute pericarditis?
inflammation of the pericardium
Causes of pericarditis
infective agents
post heart attack
postpericardiotomy
trauma
autoimmune diseases
Assessment findings for pericarditis
sharp precordial pain with inspiration worsened when supine
fever
elevated WBC
What is the diagnostic criteria for pericarditis?
pericardial chest pain
pericardial friction rub
new ST elevation in all leads/ PR segment depression
new or worsening pericardial effusion
Where would you position the stethoscope for pericarditis to hear the pericardial friction rub?
left lower sternal border
