ATI Capstone Exam Related

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A nurse is caring for a client who has endocarditis. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as a potential complication?

  • A. Friction rub.
  • B. Intermittent claudication.
  • C. Cardiac murmur.
  • D. Dependent rubor.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cardiac murmur. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, which can lead to the development of a new murmur due to valve damage or vegetation formation. This can result in turbulent blood flow, causing the murmur. A friction rub (choice A) is more indicative of pericarditis, intermittent claudication (choice B) is associated with peripheral arterial disease, and dependent rubor (choice D) is seen in chronic arterial insufficiency. Therefore, recognizing a new cardiac murmur in a client with endocarditis is crucial as it can indicate complications such as valve dysfunction or embolic events.