Infective endocarditis: a review and update of a clinical enigma

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Nursing

Background:

• Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening condition despite advances in antibiotics and cardiac surgery.
• Congestive heart failure is a common complication, arising from valve dysfunction or cardiac damage.
• Delayed diagnosis and treatment are frequent due to vague clinical presentations and pre-treatment antibiotic use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and update current knowledge on infective endocarditis.
• To highlight the pivotal role of nurses in managing IE and its complications.
• To empower nurses with knowledge for improved patient care planning and evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current evidence on infective endocarditis.
• Focus on nursing interventions in prevention, early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Discussion of challenges in diagnosis and management.

Main Results:

• Infective endocarditis poses significant mortality risks, often linked to heart failure.
• Nurses are essential in all phases of IE management, from prevention to post-treatment care.
• Effective nursing care requires up-to-date knowledge and proactive intervention.

Conclusions:

• Nurses play a critical role in improving outcomes for patients with infective endocarditis.
• Translating current knowledge into practice enhances nurses' ability to manage this complex patient population.
• Continuous education and skill development are vital for nurses caring for IE patients.