What finding should the nurse expect while assessing a toddler with infective endocarditis?

When assessing a toddler with infective endocarditis, the presence of a new heart murmur is a significant finding. Infective endocarditis occurs when bacteria or other infectious agents infiltrate the heart valves or endocardium, leading to inflammation and potential damage. One of the hallmark features of this condition is the development of a new heart murmur, which is a result of turbulent blood flow through the affected valves. This murmur is often detected during a physical examination and can indicate alterations in normal heart function due to valvular damage.

In contrast, while persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and a high-pitched cry can be associated with a variety of other respiratory or cardiac conditions in toddlers, they are not definitive signs of infective endocarditis. These symptoms may arise from different underlying issues and do not specifically point to the presence of an infection in the heart. Hence, the identification of a new heart murmur serves as a critical sign of the potential complications that might arise from infective endocarditis.