The nurse is caring for a patient who is an intravenous drug user. The nurse anticipates the need for assessment for which cardiac complication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

4. A relatively uncommon disease in the general population, infective endocarditis involves an infection of the interior surface of the heart, usually stemming from bacteria in the bloodstream. These infections then lead to destruction of cardiac tissue, causing irreparable damage to the valves of the heart and symptoms consistent with both systemic infection and cardiac dysfunction. Patients who abuse drugs by injection are at greatest risk for developing infective endocarditis. Cardiac tamponade, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction may occur in intravenous drug users; however, these individuals are at greatest risk for developing infective endocarditis.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is an Intravenous