Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 77%
Simulated
When considering the risk for heart failure, what would the nurse monitor the client diagnosed with infective endocarditis for on an ongoing basis?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Crackles, peripheral edema, and weight gain. In infective endocarditis, there is a risk of developing heart failure due to damage to the heart valves. Monitoring for crackles indicates fluid accumulation in the lungs, a sign of left-sided heart failure. Peripheral edema is a result of right-sided heart failure, which can occur in infective endocarditis. Weight gain is a common symptom of heart failure due to fluid retention. Flank pain with radiation to the groin and hematuria (choice A) are more indicative of kidney issues rather than heart failure. Respiratory distress, chest pain, and use of accessory muscles (choice B) are more suggestive of acute pulmonary conditions. Confusion, decreasing level of consciousness, and aphasia (choice D) are symptoms of neurological issues, not heart failure.