Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis nursing assessment includes subjective and objective data.

Subjectively, the patient may report chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, and feeling heaviness in the legs. Objectively, nurses may identify fever, low oxygen saturation, petechiae, splinter hemorrhages, Osler's nodes, and Janeway lesions.

Primary nursing goals include maintaining normal cardiac function and preventing recurrence.

To achieve these goals, the following interventions are necessary:

Administer prescribed antipyretics and provide tepid water baths to reduce temperature.

Auscultate heart sounds regularly for changes, especially new or worsening murmurs.

Educate patients on infection control, focusing on hand hygiene and oral care, including brushing after waking and before sleep.

Encourage moderate exercise with short breaks.

Post-discharge patients may have peripherally inserted central catheters or PICC [pick] line for long-term IV antibiotics. A home health nurse monitors these lines and wounds for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, pain, or drainage at the site.