Which medication is administered to prevent endocarditis in pregnant clients?

Which medication is administered to prevent endocarditis in pregnant clients?

• A. Propranolol
• B. Ampicillin
• C. Digoxin
• D. Heparin sodium

Answer: (B)

Ampicillin is the correct medication used to prevent endocarditis in pregnant clients, especially those with specific heart conditions. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart and can occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged areas of the heart. Certain patients, such as those with prosthetic heart valves or a history of endocarditis, are at increased risk and may require antibiotic prophylaxis during certain procedures that can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. Ampicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics and is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, making it a suitable choice for prophylaxis in this context. The administration of ampicillin before invasive procedures can help reduce the risk of developing endocarditis by ensuring that any potential bacteria that may enter the bloodstream are effectively eradicated. Other medications, such as propranolol, digoxin, and heparin sodium, serve different purposes. Propranolol is typically used to manage hypertension and certain heart conditions, digoxin helps with heart failure and arrhythmias, and heparin sodium is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots. None of these options provide the necessary antibacterial prophylaxis required to prevent endocarditis in the specified population.

Ampicillin is the correct medication used to prevent endocarditis in pregnant clients, especially those with specific heart conditions. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart and can occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged areas of the heart. Certain patients, such as those with prosthetic heart valves or a history of endocarditis, are at increased risk and may require antibiotic prophylaxis during certain procedures that can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream.

Ampicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics and is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, making it a suitable choice for prophylaxis in this context. The administration of ampicillin before invasive procedures can help reduce the risk of developing endocarditis by ensuring that any potential bacteria that may enter the bloodstream are effectively eradicated.

Other medications, such as propranolol, digoxin, and heparin sodium, serve different purposes. Propranolol is typically used to manage hypertension and certain heart conditions, digoxin helps with heart failure and arrhythmias, and heparin sodium is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots. None of these options provide the necessary antibacterial prophylaxis required to prevent endocarditis in the specified population.