A parent of a 7-year-old girl with a repaired ventricular septal defect (VSD)calls the cardiology clinic and reports that the child is just not herself.Her appetite is decreased,she has had intermittent fevers around 38° C (100.4° F),and now her muscles and joints ache.Based on this information,how should the nurse advise the mother?
A) Immediately bring the child to the clinic for evaluation.
B) Come to the clinic next week on a scheduled appointment.
C) Treat the signs and symptoms with acetaminophen and fluids because it is most likely a viral illness.
D) Recognize that the child is trying to manipulate the parent by complaining of vague symptoms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

These are the insidious symptoms of bacterial endocarditis.Because the child is in a high-risk group for this disorder (VSD repair),immediate evaluation and treatment are indicated to prevent cardiac damage.With appropriate antibiotic therapy,bacterial endocarditis is successfully treated in approximately 80% of the cases.The child's complaints should not be dismissed.The low-grade fever is not a symptom that the child can fabricate.

A Parent of a 7-Year-Old Girl with a Repaired Ventricular