Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What is a common symptom leading to the diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis?

1. Shortness of breath

2. Chest pain

3. Fever and chills

4. Palpitations

The correct answer is: Fever and chills

Fever and chills are classic symptoms associated with bacterial endocarditis and are often the most prominent clinical manifestations reported by patients. The condition involves infection of the heart valves or endocardial surface, typically resulting from bacteria entering the bloodstream and adhering to damaged areas of the heart. This infection elicits an inflammatory response, leading to systemic symptoms such as fever and chills as the body attempts to fight off the infection. Patients with bacterial endocarditis frequently experience fluctuations in body temperature, which can present as periods of fever followed by chills. This systemic inflammatory response is also tied to the type of organism involved, the extent of the infection, and the patient’s overall immune status. Therefore, the presence of fever and chills is a crucial indicator that helps clinicians consider the diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis, making it a key symptom to recognize. Other symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations can occur in patients with endocarditis, but they are not as specific or common as fever and chills, particularly in the initial stages of the disease. Recognizing the systemic symptoms of fever and chills allows for timely diagnosis and appropriate interventions.