A nurse is providing discharge education to a client who has valvular heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching about valvular heart disease?
Comply with compression therapy.
Monitor wounds on lower extremities.
Take antiplatelet medications as ordered.
Monitor for gradual onset of symptoms
The Correct Answer is D
A. Comply with compression therapy: Compression therapy is commonly used in the management of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), not valvular heart disease. It involves applying external pressure to the limbs to improve circulation and reduce edema. While this intervention may be relevant for a client with PVD, it is not specific to valvular heart disease.
B. Monitor wounds on lower extremities: Monitoring wounds on lower extremities is important for clients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) to assess for signs of poor wound healing, infection, or tissue ischemia. However, it is not directly related to valvular heart disease. Therefore, while wound monitoring may be appropriate for this client, it is not specific to valvular heart disease education.
C. Take antiplatelet medications as ordered: Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are commonly prescribed for clients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) to reduce the risk of thrombotic events and improve blood flow. However, they are not typically indicated as a primary treatment for valvular heart disease. While some clients with valvular heart disease may have comorbidities that warrant antiplatelet therapy, it is not specific to valvular heart disease education.
D. Valvular heart disease involves dysfunction of one or more heart valves, leading to impaired blood flow within the heart. The nurse should educate the client on monitoring for the gradual onset of symptoms related to valvular heart disease. These symptoms may include dyspnea (shortness of breath), fatigue, palpitations, chest discomfort, and edema. Monitoring for these symptoms allows for early detection of disease progression or exacerbation, prompting timely intervention and management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Elevated ESR is commonly seen in inflammatory conditions such as pericarditis. ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube of blood over a certain period, and elevated levels indicate inflammation or tissue damage.
B. Increased C-reactive protein (CRP): CRP is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels are indicative of inflammation, making it a useful marker in pericarditis.
C. Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Elevated TSH levels are not typically associated with pericarditis. TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Elevated TSH levels are seen in conditions such as hypothyroidism.
D. Increased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP): BNP is a hormone produced by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume overload. Pericarditis can lead to increased pressure within the heart, resulting in elevated BNP levels. Therefore, increased BNP levels are anticipated in pericarditis.
E. Increased troponin I: Troponin I is a cardiac biomarker released into the bloodstream when there is damage to cardiac muscle cells. While pericarditis primarily involves inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), severe cases can lead to myocardial involvement and subsequent release of troponin I. Therefore, increased troponin I levels may be observed in pericarditis, especially if there is myocardial involvement.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Lower extremities edematous with decreased pulses and cool to the touch While this finding suggests impaired circulation associated with peripheral artery disease, it does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. However, it requires timely assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.
B. Pain, pallor, and paresthesia in the foot This finding indicates critical limb ischemia, which is a severe complication of peripheral artery disease requiring immediate intervention. Pain, pallor (pale color), and paresthesia (abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness) suggest inadequate blood flow to the affected limb, putting the client at risk for tissue damage and limb loss if not promptly addressed.
C. Murmur auscultated at the left 5th midclavicular line, slight dyspnea, and lower extremity edema These findings are suggestive of cardiac issues such as heart failure rather than immediate complications of peripheral artery disease. While they require attention, they do not signify an urgent need for intervention specific to peripheral artery disease.
D. Presence of an open wound near the ankle with serous drainage and pruritus While an open wound warrants assessment and appropriate wound care, it does not indicate an immediate need for intervention unless there are signs of infection or severe tissue damage. In this scenario, the presentation of pain, pallor, and paresthesia indicates a more urgent need for intervention to prevent tissue necrosis and limb loss.
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