The most important PRIMARY care goal for a school aged child with a prosthetic heart valve is to

The most important PRIMARY care goal for a school aged child with a prosthetic heart valve is to

• A. Prohibit exercise and sports participation
• B. Maintain endocarditis prophylaxis
• C. Provide home schooling
• D. Maximize carbohydrate calories for growth

Answer: (B)

Preventing infective endocarditis is the priority for a child with a prosthetic heart valve. A prosthetic valve is at high risk for infection if bacteria enter the bloodstream, which can happen during dental work, invasive procedures, or even some routine activities that cause bacteremia. The best way to reduce that risk in primary care is to maintain endocarditis prophylaxis when indicated, along with promoting good oral hygiene and prompt treatment of infections. This approach protects the valve from infection, which can have serious consequences and require hospitalization or surgery. Prohibiting exercise isn’t the main goal because most children with prosthetic valves can participate in age-appropriate activities with appropriate medical guidance. Providing home schooling or focusing on calorie intake for growth doesn’t address the primary risk to the valve.

Preventing infective endocarditis is the priority for a child with a prosthetic heart valve. A prosthetic valve is at high risk for infection if bacteria enter the bloodstream, which can happen during dental work, invasive procedures, or even some routine activities that cause bacteremia. The best way to reduce that risk in primary care is to maintain endocarditis prophylaxis when indicated, along with promoting good oral hygiene and prompt treatment of infections. This approach protects the valve from infection, which can have serious consequences and require hospitalization or surgery.

Prohibiting exercise isn’t the main goal because most children with prosthetic valves can participate in age-appropriate activities with appropriate medical guidance. Providing home schooling or focusing on calorie intake for growth doesn’t address the primary risk to the valve.