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Infective endocarditis with emboli — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardInfectious disease emergenciesInfective endocarditis with emboliABEM Board

A 49-year-old man with fever and a new murmur presents as triage level 2 with acute left flank pain. CT shows splenic infarcts, blood cultures are pending, and he reports injection drug use. Which of the following is the most appropriate disposition?

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Correct answer: E — Hospital admission for suspected infective endocarditis with IV antibiotics after cultures

Fever, new murmur, injection drug use, and embolic phenomena are concerning for infective endocarditis requiring admission, cultures, echo, and IV antibiotics.

Reference: AHA infective endocarditis guidance; ABEM EM Model