Foundations Valvular Heart Disease Flash Cards

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Questions and Answers

What condition occurs when valves are unable to close completely?

Prolapse

Insufficiency (correct)

Regurgitation

Stenosis

Which valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle?

Aortic semilunar valve

Tricuspid valve

Pulmonary semilunar valve

Mitral (bicuspid) valve (correct)

What is a common consequence of rheumatic fever in relation to the heart?

Valvular disease (correct)

Blood clots in the valves

Increased heart rate

Myocardial infarction

What best describes stenosis in relation to heart valves?

Thickening of valve tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom may indicate valvular heart disease?

Shortness of breath on exertion Signup and view all the answers

In which population can valvular disorders occur?

In children, adolescents, and adults Signup and view all the answers

Which valve allows blood to flow from the right ventricle into the lungs?

Pulmonary semilunar valve Signup and view all the answers

What symptom might a patient with valvular disease report?

Chest pain and palpitations Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of gentle heat application in patients taking NSAIDs for joint pain?

Minimizes joint pain Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary component is emphasized for patients to maintain a balanced diet?

High-volume fluid intake Signup and view all the answers

When carditis is present, what is recommended for a patient?

Bed rest Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indication for surgical intervention in pericarditis?

Cardiac tamponade Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the pain associated with pericarditis?

Mimics myocardial infarction pain Signup and view all the answers

How can improper positioning affect a patient with polyarthritis?

It can exacerbate joint pain Signup and view all the answers

What medication is prescribed for patients with bacterial pericarditis?

Antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with acute pericarditis?

Bacterial infection Signup and view all the answers

What vital sign change is commonly seen in patients with pericarditis?

Rapid and forcible pulse Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by an elevated C-reactive protein level?

Inflammation Signup and view all the answers

What should be provided to patients with a history of rheumatic fever?

Monthly antibiotic injections Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic test helps identify pericardial effusion?

Echocardiography Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention helps minimize patient discomfort while promoting skillful care?

Performing interventions quickly Signup and view all the answers

What is the hallmark finding in acute pericarditis?

Pericardial friction rub Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication of endocarditis that can lead to serious organ damage?

Embolization Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with endocarditis?

Loss of appetite Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is most commonly associated with infective endocarditis?

Staphylococcus aureus Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate position for a patient experiencing dyspnea?

Fowler's position (45 degrees) Signup and view all the answers

Why is anticoagulation therapy generally not recommended for endocarditis patients?

It carries a risk of intracerebral hemorrhage Signup and view all the answers

What test is most likely to be used to confirm the presence of vegetations in endocarditis?

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention helps decrease cardiac workload?

Maintaining bed rest Signup and view all the answers

What is a subjective sign that may indicate endocarditis?

Recurrent fever Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions increases the risk of developing infective endocarditis?

Rheumatic heart disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary medical treatment for infective endocarditis?

Antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What type of endocarditis develops more rapidly?

Acute endocarditis Signup and view all the answers

How should patients with a history of heart valve replacement approach dental procedures?

They should inform their dentist to receive prophylactic antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What effect does endocarditis have on the pulse?

It causes a rapid pulse Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a clinical manifestation of endocarditis?

Fever Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is not typically associated with heart failure?

Joint pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of echocardiograms in diagnosing valvular heart disease?

To determine the extent of valve damage Signup and view all the answers

Which surgical procedure involves splitting the fused mitral valve leaflet?

Open mitral commissurotomy Signup and view all the answers

What is a common dietary modification for patients with heart failure?

Low-sodium diet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of rheumatic heart disease?

Thickened and deformed valves Signup and view all the answers

What role do diuretics play in the medical management of heart failure?

Reduce fluid accumulation Signup and view all the answers

Which heart tissue inflammation is referred to as carditis?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic is preferred for rapid treatment of pharyngeal infections related to rheumatic fever?

Penicillin Signup and view all the answers

What assessment is crucial after valve replacement surgery?

Maintaining high doses of warfarin Signup and view all the answers

Which sign may indicate the presence of Sydenham’s chorea?

Muscle spasms Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of untreated rheumatic fever years later?

Clinical manifestations of valvular heart disease Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic test helps confirm cardiac dysrhythmia?

ECG Signup and view all the answers

Which additional finding is commonly elevated in rheumatic fever?

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate Signup and view all the answers

Which valve type used in replacement surgeries is made of human tissue?

Homograft Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is identified as the most common in heart failure?

Severe exercise intolerance Signup and view all the answers

What is often the first line of medical management for heart failure?

Diuretics Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic test is NOT typically associated with the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy?

X-ray of the abdomen Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of an automatic internal defibrillator in heart failure treatment?

It helps prevent sudden cardiac death Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is commonly included in immunosuppressive therapy after a heart transplant?

Corticosteroids Signup and view all the answers

What helps determine the allocation of donor hearts for transplantation?

Blood type and body size Signup and view all the answers

Why is tissue cross-matching generally not done in heart transplantation?

It does not improve outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a common psychosocial evaluation component for transplant candidates?

Family support assessment Signup and view all the answers

After a heart transplant, what aspect of care is critically important due to immunosuppression?

Preventing infections Signup and view all the answers

What condition is the leading cause for heart transplantation?

Dilated cardiomyopathy Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging study is specifically used to assess the heart's structure and function?

Echocardiogram Signup and view all the answers

What should patients with heart failure be advised to avoid?

Strenuous exercise Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical prognosis for patients over 55 years diagnosed with heart failure?

Many will die within 2 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of nursing management in post-transplant care?

Promoting patient adaptation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary nursing intervention for patients with infective endocarditis during the acute phase?

Maintaining the patient on decreased activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of acute myocarditis in the United States?

Coxsackie virus type B Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary approach should be prioritized for patients with the disease process affecting appetite?

Frequent, attractive meals with supplemental nourishment Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential complication of myocarditis that results from inflammation of the myocardium?

Dilated cardiomyopathy Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cardiomyopathy is characterized by increased muscle thickness and decreased ventricular size?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of treatment for myocarditis?

To preserve myocardial function and prevent HF Signup and view all the answers

What might frequent assessments of pulse before and after activity indicate in patients with heart conditions?

The effects of activity on the heart muscle Signup and view all the answers

What are the signs and symptoms indicating potential recurrence of an infection that patients should report?

Fever, fatigue, malaise, and chills Signup and view all the answers

How does cocaine abuse potentially affect the heart?

It leads to myocardial oxygen deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What type of cardiomyopathy is classified as having a cause that is not known?

Primary cardiomyopathy Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical component of patient teaching for individuals at risk for infective endocarditis?

Prophylactic antibiotics before invasive procedures Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure may be necessary if a patient’s condition due to valvular heart disease is severe?

Surgical repair or prosthetic valve replacement Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Rigid ventricular walls Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Heart Valves and Their Function

Normal heart valves regulate blood flow through the heart and lungs, ensuring unidirectional movement from atria to ventricles.
Valves open and close passively based on pressure changes within the heart.
Major valves include the tricuspid (between right atrium and ventricle), pulmonary semilunar (right ventricle to lungs), mitral (left atrium to ventricle), and aortic semilunar (left ventricle to aorta).

Valvular Disease

Occurs when heart valves fail to function properly, leading to inadequate blood flow.
Common valvular issues include stenosis (narrowing of the valve) and insufficiency (inability to close completely).
Conditions such as mitral stenosis, aortic stenosis, and tricuspid insufficiency represent various forms of valvular heart disorder.
Risk factors include congenital conditions and a history of rheumatic fever, which may manifest 10 to 40 years later.

Clinical Symptoms

Patients may experience symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and dizziness, often tied to decreased cardiac output.
Objective assessments reveal possible heart murmurs, adventitious lung sounds, and swelling in extremities.

Diagnostic Tests for Valvular Heart Disease

Chest radiograph, ECG, echocardiogram, and cardiac catheterization are key diagnostic tools.

Medical Management

Treatment strategies include activity limitations, sodium-restricted diets, diuretics, and medications like digoxin.
Surgical interventions may involve open mitral commissurotomy or valve replacement with various types of prosthetic valves.

Nursing Interventions

Focus on assisting patients with activities of daily living, symptom management, and medication administration.
Monitor vital signs and fluid balance, educating patients about their condition and the importance of follow-up appointments.

Prognosis

Varies based on valvular conditions; surgical patients experience fair to good outcomes but may retain some abnormalities.

Rheumatic Fever and Its Consequences

Sudden onset typically follows throat infections, potentially leading to long-term complications such as rheumatic heart disease.
Symptoms may include chest pain and joint issues, which can lead to valvular dysfunction due to Aschoff’s nodules.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardial sac; may be acute or chronic.
Symptoms include severe chest pain that worsens with movement, dyspnea, and characteristic pericardial friction rub.

Endocarditis

Infection of the heart's inner lining, primarily affecting heart valves.
Symptoms include flu-like signs, petechiae, and embolic phenomena.
Diagnosed via blood cultures and imaging exams; management focuses on antibiotics, rest, and monitoring for complications.

Conclusion

Understanding valvular diseases, pericarditis, and endocarditis is essential for effective treatment and patient education. Regular monitoring and prompt intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes.### Infective Endocarditis
Outpatient treatment has become more common due to versatile antibiotics and economic concerns.
Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for high-risk individuals, such as those with previous valve surgery or congenital heart defects.
Precautions include antibiotic therapy before any invasive procedures, like dental work or minor surgeries.
Severe cases may require surgical interventions, including valve repair or prosthetic valve replacement.
Nursing care involves monitoring symptoms, maintaining a calm environment, regular vital sign checks, and ensuring proper nutrition.
Patient education covers recognizing symptoms of infection, dietary needs, and the importance of prophylactic antibiotics.

Myocarditis

Acute myocarditis is rare and can develop from various infections or conditions, most commonly coxsackie virus type B in the U.S.
Early symptoms may resemble upper respiratory infections, followed by chest pain and heart failure indicators.
Diagnosis involves imaging techniques and biopsies; treatment is symptomatic, similar to endocarditis management.
Complications can include cardiomyopathy and dysrhythmias; early detection is vital for better outcomes.

Cardiomyopathy

Definition: A group of heart muscle diseases affecting myocardium function and structure, not caused by CAD or hypertension.
Classification includes primary (unknown causes) and secondary (identified causes like infections, nutritional deficiencies, and cardiotoxic substances).
Types of primary cardiomyopathy:
- Dilated: Most common, characterized by ventricular dilation.
- Hypertrophic: Increased heart muscle mass and decreased chamber size.
- Restrictive: Rigid ventricular walls causing diastolic filling issues.

Clinical Manifestations of Cardiomyopathy

Common signs include angina, syncope, marked exercise intolerance, and symptoms of heart failure like dyspnea and edema.
Diagnosis depends on clinical evaluation and a combination of noninvasive and invasive tests, including echocardiograms and biopsies.