Nursing Interventions: Endocarditis

1. Watch for signs and symptoms of embolization such as hematuria, pleuritic chest pain, left upper quadrant pain, and paresis.
2. Monitor the patient’s renal status including blood urea nitrogen levels, creatinine clearance levels and urine output.
3. Assess cardiovascular status frequently and watch for signs of left ventricular failure such as dyspnea, hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, crackles, neck vein distention, edema, and weight gain.
4. Check for changes in cardiac rhythm or conduction.
5. Evaluate arterial blood gas values as needed to ensure adequate oxygenation.
6. Observe for signs of infiltration or inflammation at the venipuncture site.
7. Stress the importance of taking the medication and restricting activities for as long as the doctor orders.
8. Tell patient to watch closely for fever, anorexia, and other signs of relapse for about 2 weeks after treatment stops.
9. Teach the patient how to recognize symptoms of endocarditis, and tell him to notify the doctor immediately if such symptoms occur.
10. Stress the importance of dental hygiene to prevent caries and possible recurrent endocarditis.