The nurse is caring for an intravenous drug user diagnosed with infective endocarditis. Physical exam is likely to reveal which of the following?
Explanation
• Common signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis include fever, malaise, murmur, weight loss, splinter hemorrhages, and Osler's nodes
• Splinter hemorrhages run vertically under the fingernails are are thought to be caused by small clots that damage the capillaries in the nail bed
• Infective endocarditis most commonly occurs in IV drug users. Other risk factors are rheumatic fever, history of heart valve
• Pericardial friction rub is associated with pericarditis
• Paradoxical pulse is most likely caused by cardiac tamponade