Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. It can be acute, affecting those with healthy valves, or subacute, affecting those with pre-existing valve disease. Common causes are bacteria like staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus viridans. Risk factors include congenital heart defects, a history of endocarditis, or damaged heart valves. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, sweats, and chest pain. Diagnosis involves blood cultures, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms and chest x-rays. Treatment requires high doses of intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes surgery to repair or replace damaged valves. Nursing care focuses on monitoring for fever and complications, encouraging rest, and

1. ENDOCARDITIS
-PRESENTED BY
CINDRELLA BURGE
MSC NURSING 1ST YEAR
TMCON

2. INTRODUCTION ON ENDOCARDITIS
Infective endocarditis, previously known as an
infection of the endocardial
Surface of the heart, is contiguous with the valves of
the heart. Therefore inflammation from infective
endocarditis affects cardiac valves.

5. DEFINITION-
Endocarditis is an infection of inner lining of heart
chambers and valves.

6. CLASSIFICATION-
ENDOCARDITIS
Acute
acute form affects
those with healthy
valves
Subacute
subacute form affects
those with pre-existing
valve disease

7. ETIOLOGY
 The most common causative organisms of IE are-
 bacteria – staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus
viridans
 Other possible pathogens include fungi and viruses.

8. RISK FACTORS-
 Congenital heart defects- heart may become more
susceptible to infection
 History of endocarditis- increases the risk of future heart
infection
 Damaged heart valves- this can make them more prone to
endocarditis

9. CLINICAL MANIFESTATION-
 Fever/ chills
 Fatigue
 Night sweats
 Shortness of breath
 Chest pain
 Anorexia
 Back pain
 Abdominal discomfort
 Weight loss
 Headache
 Tachycardia, dysrhythmia

10. DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES-
 Doctor may suspect endocarditis based on medical
history, signs and symptoms and test results.
 Doctor may order several tests to help make a positive
diagnosis, including-
 Blood tests- a blood culture test is used to identify
any bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream

12.  Echocardiogram- uses sound waves to produce images of
heart while it’s beating. Doctor may use 2 different types
of echocardiograms to help diagnose endocarditis
a) Trans-thoracic echocardiogram- help doctor look at
heart’s structure and check it for any signs of infection
or damage.
b) Trans-esophogeal echocardiogram- to get a closer look
at heart valves.

13. Electrocardiogram ECG- shows if something is
affecting heart’s activity. This test is used to measure
the timing and duration of each electrical phase in
heartbeat.
Chest x-ray- helps to see if endocarditis has caused
heart to enlarge or if any infection has spread to lungs.

14. TREATMENT
Based on the results of blood test, doctor will choose the
most appropriate antibiotics or combination of antibiotics
to fight the infection. Doctor might recommend -High
doses of intravenous IV antibiotics like penicillin G;
vancomycin plus; gentamicin.
Surgery –
Repairing or Replacement of damaged valve with an
artificial valve [made up of human or animal heart
tissues].

15. COMPLICATION
 Heart valve damage
 Heart failure
 Stroke
 Seizure
 Paralysis
 Pulmonary embolism
 Kidney damage
 Enlarged spleen

16. PREVENTION
 Know the signs and symptoms of endocarditis, see
doctor immediately of develop any signs or
symptoms.
 Pay special attention to dental health
 Avoid procedures that may lead to skin infections,
such as body piercings or tattoos

17. NURSING MANAGEMENT
 Monitor temperature
 Administered antipyretic medication as ordered to
reduce fever
 Encourage increase intake of oral fluids to replace lost
as result of fever
 Monitor cardio respiratory response to activity
 Monitor patient for evidence of excess physical or
emotional fatigue to plan for changes in activity level.

18.  Encourage alternate rest and activity periods to reduce
cardiac workload.
 Discuss lifestyle changes that may be required to
prevent future complications and control of disease
process to reduce the risk of recurrent infective
endocarditis.
 Provide the patient with information about the action,
purpose and side effects of the medications to promote
safe medication therapy.

19. CONCLUSION
Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, which
is the inner lining of heart chambers and heart valves.
Generally occurs when bacteria, fungi or virus from
another part of the body spread through bloodstream
and attach to damaged areas in the heart.

20. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Textbooks-
 BT Basavanthappa, Ist Edition 2011, Essential of
Medical Surgical Nursing.
 Brunner and suddarth ‘s textbook, 8th edition, of
medical and surgical nursing.
 Panwar P.K., Fourth Edition( 2015), Text Book of
Medical Surgical Nursing, published by Virendra
kumar arya, ( New Delhi).

21. THANKYOU