摘要:

Infectious diseases remain the major cause of death throughout the world, and this is not likely to change in the foreseeable future. However, there are steps that can be taken to combat them, including both the recognition of and interventions against emerging infectious diseases. This article will provide general information about emerging infectious organisms, mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial agents, and comments on a variety of prevention strategies. In addition, the reader is directed to a number of comprehensive references for additional information.

ISSN:0889-4655    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Antimicrobial agents are widely utilized in the prevention and treatment of infection in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Knowledge of spectrum of activity, pharmacology, adverse effect and toxicity profile, and emergence of resistant pathogens is critical to the appropriate use of these agents. The following review will emphasize the safe, effective use of antimicrobial drugs in the cardiovascular patient.

ISSN:0889-4655    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) infections are related to the immunocompetence of the host, preexisting cardiac conditions, and exposure to infectious organisms. Immunocompromised states are related to defective physical and chemical barriers and/or alterations of immune organs, cells, and substances. There are many conditions, diseases, drugs, and therapies that are associated with immunocompromised states. In-dwelling central venous catheters, prosthetic valves/devices, cardiac lesions, and conditions that create turbulent blood flow increase risk for CV infections. An understanding of the immune response, risk factors for immunocompromise, and risk factors for CV infections helps guide the CV nurse's plan of care related to assessment and interventions for prevention, identification, and treatment of CV infections. Diagnosis, monitoring, and management challenges of the immunocompromised patient with infective endocarditis and myocarditis are presented.

ISSN:0889-4655    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Infections of the heart can be acute or subacute, depending on host susceptibility, the cause and associated virulence, early diagnosis, and effective therapy. The following review will discuss the causes, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and medical or surgical management of infective endocarditis, prosthetic valve endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Nursing considerations emphasize understanding the pathogenesis, early recognition of signs and symptoms, and appropriate prevention and intervention.

ISSN:0889-4655    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Patients with cardiovascular disease are often predisposed to multiple infections. The degree of resistance to antibiotics that has developed in the last decade makes a significant contribution to the severity of infections in this patient population. Mechanisms for development and spread of resistance between organisms are described and related to a clinical example.

ISSN:0889-4655    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Vascular infections are a serious problem, often associated with high morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatment of surgical wound infections, prosthetic graft infections, aortoenteric fistulas (AEFs), and infected vascular ulcers. The primary cause of surgical wound infections is contamination by skin organisms during surgery. Prosthetic graft infections typically result from a progressive wound infection. Comorbid conditions are also related to vascular infections. Nurses should identify vascular patients at increased risk for infection, monitor them closely, and intervene to optimize the healing environment.

ISSN:0889-4655    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a pathologic condition of native or prosthetic heart valves or endocardium, which may result in valve destruction and congestive heart failure. It occurs more frequently in men than in women, and there is an increased trend in the elderly. The following conditions predispose patients to IE: congenital and rheumatic heart disease, calcification or stenosis of a valve, prosthetic valve surgery, a previous episode of endocarditis, poor dentition, parenteral drug abuse, and placement of intravascular lines or devices. Effective treatment frequently involves a combination of intense antibiotic therapy and surgical repair. Risk of death from IE is related to age over 60, diagnosis of staphylococcal infection, involvement of an aortic or prosthetic valve, and the presence of any of the following sequelae of endocarditis: congestive heart failure, embolic phenomenon, and neurologic deficit. Clinicians should suspect endocarditis in patients presenting with fever of unknown origin and who are at risk for endocarditis. Timely evaluation with transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography may identify patients in the early stages of endocarditis and direct the patient to definitive therapy. Early treatment of native and prosthetic valve endocarditis may decrease its overall morbidity and mortality. This case study illustrates some of the challenges in effectively managing prosthetic valve endocarditis.

ISSN:0889-4655    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

An 82-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a narrow complex tachycardia. This article presents his case history, examples of the dysrhythmia, and a differential diagnosis approach to identifying the source of the tachycardia. The mechanism of the tachycardia is described and diagrammed and the follow-up care of the patient presented.

ISSN:0889-4655    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0889-4655    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID