Endocarditis for the Correctional Nurse

2.0 Continuing Education Hours

Infective endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart (endocardium) and often involves the valves of the heart as well as any areas with abnormal connections between the chambers of the heart or its blood vessels. It occurs when bacteria in the bloodstream clump on previously injured heart valves.  Subacute bacterial endocarditis occurs gradually, causing symptoms like fatigue, low-grade fever, tachycardia, weight loss, diaphoresis, and anemia.
Non-infective endocarditis occurs when blood clots that do not have bacterial contamination form on the heart valves and endocardium.

In this class, we will review the pathophysiology of infective and non-infective endocarditis. We will discuss risk factors and treatment. We will also review the nursing interventions for a patient with endocarditis.