Chapter 106: Myocarditis

Buttaro: Primary Care: A Collaborative Practice, 6th Edition

Multiple Choice

1. A previously healthy patient presents with sudden onset of dyspnea, fatigue, and orthopnea. A family history is negative. The provider suspects myocarditis. What is the most likely etiology for this patient?

a. Autoimmune disorder b. Bacterial infection c. Protozoal infection d. Viral infection

ANS: D a. Echocardiogram b. Electrocardiogram c. Endomyocardial biopsy d. Magnetic resonance imaging

Viral infection is the most common cause of myocarditis. Other infections are less likely. Although this patient may have an autoimmune disorder, the absence of family history makes this somewhat less likely.

2. Which test is diagnostic for diagnosing myocarditis?

ANS: C

Endomyocardial biopsy is the only definitive test to diagnose myocarditis. Other tests are useful in determining symptoms but are not specific to this diagnosis.

NURSINGTB.COM a. Exercise is contraindicated for life. b. Exercise may resume when symptoms subside. c. He may resume exercise in 6 months. d. He must be symptom-free for 1 year.

3. A patient who is an avid long-distant runner is diagnosed with viral myocarditis. What will the provider tell this patient when asked when resuming exercising is permitted?

ANS: C

Patients with myocarditis should not exercise for 6 months after the onset of symptoms.