Cardiovascular Disorders and Treatment Practice Test

Endocarditis is an infection that primarily involves the inner lining of the heart and most often the heart valves. When valves are affected, they can develop dysfunction, leading to a new or changing heart murmur and signs of valvular insufficiency or stenosis. Because of this valvular involvement, “heart valve problems” (such as a new or changing murmur) are a classic symptom of endocarditis. Frequent migraines are not related to endocarditis, and a cough with green sputum suggests a respiratory infection rather than an infection of the heart valves. Lower back pain is nonspecific and not a characteristic feature of endocarditis.