How to Care for Clients With Infectious & Inflammatory Disorders of the Heart & Blood Vessels

Providing quality care for patients who suffer from medical conditions and injuries is important to their recovery. Inflammatory disorders and infections cause complications delaying recovery. Infections and inflammatory disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels can lead to problems such as heart attack, sepsis and even death.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine with the physician whether to provide care in a health care facility or at home. A patient who suffers from an infection or inflammatory disorder involving the heart or blood vessels may receive care at home or in a health care facility such as a hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation center. Types of medication needed (intravenous or oral), heart monitoring and wound care are among the things considered when determining where to provide care.

• 2

  Provide direct patient care. Patients suffering from inflammatory disorders or infections affecting the heart and blood vessels may be weak because of their condition. They may require direct care through assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, bathroom assistance and mobility. Providing such care for patients allows them to rest and avoid exertion that could aggravate their condition by putting strain on the heart or blood vessels.

• 3

  Administer medications. Antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs treat infections and anti-inflammatory medications treat inflammation.

  Arteritis is the inflammation of the arterial wall and is generally caused by infection. The prime source of infection must be treated so the artery can heal. Antibiotics by IV are administered to treat the infection.

  Phlebitis is the inflammation of the veins which may occur as the result of infection, injury or varicose veins. Phlebitis may cause blood clots to form. The infection causing phlebitis must be treated with antibiotics. Anticoagulants are given to assist with blood clots.

  Endocarditis is an infection of the heart or heart lining. Administer IV antibiotics or antimicrobials to combat the infection.

• 4

  Provide treatments and wound care. Surgery may be required to repair damage caused by infection or an inflammatory disorder of the heart and blood vessels. Heart valve resection, repair or replacement may be necessary if the infection or inflammatory disorder disrupts the ability of the valves to work properly.

  Patients with chest wounds need proper care to prevent further infections and complications. Keep the wound covered with a dry dressing. Look for drainage and note the color, which is indicative of infection. Clean the wound with a wound cleanse solution recommended by a physician. Staples and sutures should remain intact until the wound is closed.

• 5

  Treat complications caused by inflammatory disorders and infections of the heart and blood vessels.

  Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a complication of endocarditis and has the greatest affect on prognosis. Recognize symptoms of CHF, such as swelling, excess fluid in the lungs and shortness of breath and provide treatment. CHF is treated with rest, proper diet and medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, vasodilators and digitalis.

  Embolization is a complication most commonly seen with aortic and mitral valve infections and infective endocarditis as well. Anti-coagulant medications are often prescribed to prevent emboli from forming.