e. Nursing management of patients with endocarditis includes the following:
(1)
Obtain a history of allergies prior to the administration of antibiotics.
(2)
Ensure patency of IV and prevent the complications of long- term IV
therapy.
(3) Observe for signs and symptoms of complications such as CHF, renal
failure, or emboli.
(4) Educate the patient about his condition and the need for continued
treatment and prophylactic antibiotics.
(5) Teach the patient to recognize the symptoms of endocarditis and to seek
medical assistance should symptoms recur.
Section IV. NURSING CARE OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR
SURGICAL PATIENT
1-31. INTRODUCTION
Through the use of modern techniques, it is possible for surgeons not only to
repair damage or deformity of the large blood vessels but also to stop the heart, open it,
and perform necessary surgery there. For purposes of discussion of nursing care,
cardiovascular surgical patients may be considered under three general conditions: (1)
those whose hearts have been opened or entered, as in surgery of the heart valves; (2)
those in whom surgery is confined to the great vessels or to the exterior of the heart, as
in coarctation of the aorta, patent ductus arteriosus, aneurisms, anastamoses, and non
perforating wounds of the myocardium; and (3) those in whom surgery involves the
major coronary arteries.
1-32. PREOPERATIVE CARE
a. Most patients scheduled for cardiovascular surgery enter the hospital several
days prior to surgery. This allows for adequate time to prepare the patient for what lies
ahead and adequate time for the staff to develop a rapport with the patient.
Establishing a trusting relationship with the patient will provide him with emotional
support.
MD0917
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