Questions and Answers
What occurs when a valve is unable to completely close?
Which term describes the thickening of valve tissue that causes narrowing?
Which of the following is a common consequence of rheumatic fever?
What structure allows blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary effect of valvular heart disease on the heart's workload?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of valve disorder occurs when valve leaflets and supporting cords weaken and protrude into the atrium?
Signup and view all the answers
How do normal heart valves function?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes valvular disorders that can occur in various age groups due to congenital conditions?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a notable factor contributing to the development of valvular disease?
Signup and view all the answers
What major blood vessels are involved in the proper flow of blood through the heart?
Signup and view all the answers
Which symptoms should be reported to a health care provider to reduce hospitalization due to exacerbations?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it important for patients with valvular heart disease to inform their dentist about their condition?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary focus of nursing interventions for a patient with valvular heart disease?
Signup and view all the answers
Which action should be prioritized first for a patient with suspected mitral stenosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What should the nurse primarily maintain in a patient with valvular heart disease?
Signup and view all the answers
Which nursing intervention supports a patient experiencing symptoms of decreased cardiac output?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of administering Lasix to a patient with valvular heart disease?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following would not typically require prophylactic treatment in a patient with valvular heart disease?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential complication associated with valvular heart disease that requires monitoring?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the appropriate nursing action for maintaining a patient’s SpO2?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most common cause of aortic stenosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which clinical manifestation is directly associated with reduced cardiac output in valvular heart disease?
Signup and view all the answers
Which diagnostic test is NOT typically used to confirm valvular heart disease?
Signup and view all the answers
When is surgical intervention indicated for a patient with valvular heart disease?
Signup and view all the answers
Which medication is commonly prescribed to help control atrial fibrillation associated with aortic stenosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of murmur is typically associated with valvular insufficiency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which symptom indicates that fluid volume excess may be present in a patient with valvular heart disease?
Signup and view all the answers
Which valve replacement option utilizes tissue taken from another species?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of patient teaching is essential for those undergoing anticoagulant therapy following valve surgery?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a nursing intervention to manage activity intolerance in a patient with valvular heart disease?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Definitions
- Stenosis: Thickening of valve tissue resulting in narrowed openings.
- Insufficiency: Inability of a valve to close completely, leading to regurgitation.
- Valve Replacement: Surgical procedure to replace dysfunctional valves with bioprosthetic or mechanical alternatives.
Etiology/Pathophysiology
- Heart valves ensure unidirectional blood flow through the heart and lungs.
- Valves operate passively, influenced by pressure changes within the heart.
- Normal blood flow sequence:
- Blood enters the right atrium via the vena cava, then through the tricuspid valve to the right ventricle.
- From the right ventricle, blood moves through the pulmonary semilunar valve into the pulmonary artery towards the lungs.
- Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium via pulmonary veins, flows through the mitral valve to the left ventricle, and is pumped out through the aorta to the body.
- Valvular Heart Disease: Occurs when valves are damaged, compromising their function.
- Major conditions include:
- Stenosis: Thickening of valve tissue causing narrowing.
- Insufficiency: Inability for the valve to close properly.
- Valvular disorders can stem from congenital abnormalities or a history of rheumatic fever, often following Group A streptococcal infections.
- Symptoms may manifest 10-40 years post-rheumatic fever.
- Predominantly affects the left-side heart valves (mitral and aortic).
Clinical Manifestations
- Symptoms vary depending on the specific valvular disorder and its severity, affecting cardiac output and potentially leading to heart failure (HF).
- Staging of valve disorders informs treatment decisions based on disease severity.
Assessment (Recognize the cues)
-
Subjective Data:
- History of rheumatic fever, ability to perform daily activities without fatigue.
- Chest pain characteristics, lightheadedness, dizziness, and dyspnea indicating inadequate oxygen supply.
-
Objective Data:
- Auscultation of heart murmurs and abnormal sounds to determine valve involvement.
- Respiratory assessment for crackles and wheezing due to pulmonary congestion.
- Edema assessment indicating heart failure progression.
Diagnostic Tests
- Chest Radiograph: Identifies valve calcification.
- Echocardiogram: Assesses for valvular regurgitation.
- Cardiac Catheterization: Confirms diagnosis of valvular disease.
Medical Management
- Activity Limitations: Tailored to the patient's threshold.
- Sodium-restricted Diet: Reduces fluid retention.
-
Medications:
- Diuretics: Alleviate volume overload.
- Cardiac Glycosides: Help control atrial fibrillation associated with aortic stenosis.
- Antidysrhythmics: Manage poorly tolerated arrhythmias.
- Anticoagulants: Used post-operatively in valve replacement.
- Antibiotics: Prophylactic treatment to prevent infective endocarditis.
Surgical Intervention
- Indicated when lifestyle is negatively impacted or medical management is ineffective.
- Valve Repair: Open commissurotomy is common for mitral stenosis.
-
Valve Replacement: Options include:
- Porcine (pig) valves, heterografts (cross-species), homografts (same species), and ball-in-cage valves.
Care for Patients with Valvular Heart Disease
- Focus on managing decreased cardiac output and symptoms related to this condition.
-
Nursing Interventions:
- Balance activity with rest to prevent fatigue.
- Administer prescribed medications like Digoxin, diuretics, and oxygen to enhance cardiac output.
- Monitor all vital signs, including respiratory function and fluid retention.
-
Patient Teaching:
- Importance of medication adherence, dietary restrictions, and activity limitations.
- Explain significance of prophylactic antibiotics for dental procedures to prevent endocarditis.
- Emphasize regular communication with healthcare providers about symptoms and management.
Learning Check
- First orders to perform include maintaining SpO2, portable chest X-ray, and administering Lasix for preload reduction.
- Nursing interventions primarily focus on assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), alleviating symptoms of decreased cardiac output, and ensuring patient comfort.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers key concepts related to heart valve disorders, including definitions of stenosis, insufficiency, and valve replacement. It also explores the normal functioning of heart valves and their role in blood flow. Test your understanding of these essential cardiovascular topics.
