Nursing Diagnosis related to Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or the inner membrane of the heart (endocardium). Most people who develop this condition already have heart problems and are over 50 years old, but it can occur at any age, including in children. Symptoms can include fever and chills, lethargy, loss of appetite, slow or rapid heart rate, increased breathing and a persistent cough. There are two types of endocarditis: infective and non-infective.

Some of the general symptoms of endocarditis can include:

• Fever and chills
•  Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Generalised aching throughout the body
• Abnormal heart rhythms such as a slow heart rate or tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Heart murmur
• Increased breathing
• Persistent cough.

The following conditions increase the risk:

• a history of rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease
•  prosthetic (artificial) heart valves
• a congenital (present at birth) heart defect
• a history of intravenous drug use
• mitral valve prolapse (MVP)
• diabetes
• pregnancy

Nursing Diagnosis related to Endocarditis

1. Acute Pain related to

• Inflammation of the myocardium or pericardium
• Systemic effects of infection
• Ischemic tissue (myocardium)

Possibility is evidenced by:

• Chest pain, spreading to neck / back
• Joint pain
• Increased pain with deep inspiration, movement activities, position.
• Fever, chills.

2. Activity Intolerance related to:

• Inflammation and degeneration of myocardial muscle cells.
• Restriction of cardiac filling / ventricular contraction, reduced cardiac output.
• Toxin from the organism.

Possibility evidenced by:

• Complaints weakness / fatigue / dyspnea with activity.
• Changes in signs for activity.
• Signs of chronic heart failure.

3. Risk for Decreased cardiac output related to:

• Accumulation of fluid, in Pericardial sac (pericarditis)
• Stenosis / valve insufficiency
• Decrease in ventricular function or constricting
• Degeneration of the heart muscle

Possibility evidenced by:

• Not applicable for signs and symptoms make the actual diagnosis

4. Risk for Ineffective Tissue Perfusion related to:

• Thrombus embolism / vegetation valve endocarditis secondary to

Possibility evidenced by:

• Not applicable for signs and symptoms to make the diagnosis of actual

5. Knowledge Deficit: about condition / treatment can be related to:

• Lack of information about the disease, how to prevent recurrence or complications

Possibility evidenced by:

• Request for information
• Failure to improve
• Recurrence / complications that can be prevented