Which of the following is not typically a symptom of endocarditis?

Study for the Funeral National Board Pathology Exam. Tackle multiple choice questions insightfully designed with hints and explanations to ensure your success. Prepare efficiently for your exam!

Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, commonly caused by bacteria. It typically presents with a range of symptoms due to the inflammatory response and the effects of the infection on the heart's function.

Fever is one of the hallmark signs of endocarditis, as the body reacts to infection and attempts to fight it off. A heart murmur, which is an abnormal sound during the heartbeat, can occur due to changes in the heart structure as a result of the infection or damage to the heart valves. Chest pain can also occur, particularly if there's a complication like embolism affecting cardiac or pulmonary circulation.

In contrast, swelling of the hands is not a typical symptom of endocarditis. While edema can occur in various conditions affecting the heart and circulatory system, it is not directly associated with endocarditis. Instead, edema is more commonly seen in conditions like congestive heart failure or venous insufficiency, where fluid accumulates due to a compromised circulatory system. Therefore, swelling of the hands stands out as the symptom that does not align with the common presentations of endocarditis.

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