A nurse is providing education to the family of a child who has infectious endocarditis. Which of the following statements made by the nurse is accurate regarding this condition?

Rationale: A. Infectious endocarditis occurs when bacteria or other pathogens in the bloodstream attach to damaged areas of the heart lining or valves, causing infection and potentially leading to vegetations, valve damage, or embolic complications. B. While immunocompromised children may have increased susceptibility to infections, endocarditis primarily occurs due to damaged endocardial surfaces, not solely because of immune status. This statement overemphasizes immunodeficiency as the primary cause. C. Although congenital heart defects increase risk, children with acquired heart valve damage, prosthetic valves, or history of rheumatic fever can also develop endocarditis. Limiting risk only to congenital heart disease is inaccurate. D. Endocarditis can produce systemic complications, including emboli to the brain, kidneys, or lungs, and immune-mediated phenomena such as glomerulonephritis. The infection and its effects are not confined solely to the heart.