A nurse is assessing a client who has valvular dysfunction. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse anticipate? (Select all that apply)
Heart murmur
Chest pain
Varicose veins
Palpitations
Abdominal pain
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A reason:
Heart murmur is a common manifestation of valvular dysfunction. It occurs when there is turbulent blood flow across a damaged or abnormal heart valve. This can be due to stenosis (narrowing of the valve) or regurgitation (leakage of the valve). The murmur’s characteristics, such as timing, location, and intensity, can help in diagnosing the specific type of valvular disease. For example, a systolic murmur might indicate aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation, while a diastolic murmur could suggest aortic regurgitation or mitral stenosis.
Choice B reason:
Chest pain is another symptom that can be associated with valvular dysfunction. This pain can result from increased workload on the heart due to inefficient blood flow through the valves. Conditions like aortic stenosis can lead to angina (chest pain) because the heart muscle may not receive enough oxygenated blood. This symptom is particularly concerning and warrants immediate medical attention to prevent complications such as myocardial infarction.
Choice C reason:
Varicose veins are not typically associated with valvular dysfunction in the heart. They are more related to issues with the veins in the legs, where the valves that prevent backflow of blood become weakened or damaged. This condition is generally referred to as chronic venous insufficiency and is not directly linked to the heart’s valvular problems.
Choice D reason:
Palpitations, or the sensation of irregular or rapid heartbeats, are common in clients with valvular dysfunction. These can occur due to arrhythmias, which are often seen in conditions like mitral valve prolapse or aortic regurgitation. The irregular heartbeats can be a result of the heart trying to compensate for the inefficient blood flow caused by the faulty valve.
Choice E reason:
Abdominal pain is not a typical manifestation of valvular dysfunction. While severe heart conditions can sometimes lead to generalized symptoms, abdominal pain is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues rather than heart valve problems. Therefore, it is not a primary symptom to anticipate in clients with valvular dysfunction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Conivaptan hydrochloride is a vasopressin receptor antagonist used to treat hyponatremia associated with SIADH. It works by blocking the action of ADH, thereby promoting water excretion without losing sodium. This medication is appropriate for managing SIADH.
Choice B Reason:
Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is not appropriate for a patient with SIADH. SIADH is characterized by excessive release of ADH, leading to water retention and hyponatremia. Administering vasopressin would exacerbate the condition by increasing water retention and further lowering sodium levels.
Choice C Reason:
Sodium chloride tablets are used to manage hyponatremia by increasing sodium levels in the blood. This treatment is appropriate for patients with SIADH to help correct the sodium imbalance caused by excessive ADH.
Choice D Reason:
Tolvaptan is another vasopressin receptor antagonist that is used to treat hyponatremia associated with SIADH. It helps to increase serum sodium levels by promoting water excretion while retaining sodium. This medication is suitable for managing SIADH.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Thickening of the walls of the ventricles is not typically associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). This condition is more characteristic of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. In RCM, the walls of the ventricles are usually not thickened but become rigid due to fibrosis or infiltration, which restricts the heart’s ability to fill with blood during diastole.
Choice B reason:
Stretching of the ventricles is more commonly seen in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), not restrictive cardiomyopathy. In DCM, the heart’s ventricles become enlarged and weakened, which impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. RCM, on the other hand, involves stiffening of the ventricular walls without significant dilation.
Choice C reason:
Thickening of the ventricular walls and septum is a hallmark of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), not restrictive cardiomyopathy. In HCM, the thickened walls can obstruct blood flow and lead to various complications. RCM is characterized by the stiffening of the ventricular walls due to fibrosis or infiltration, which restricts diastolic filling.
Choice D reason:
When the ventricular tissue becomes fibrous and fatty is the correct description of restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). In RCM, the heart’s ventricles become stiff and less elastic due to fibrosis (scarring) or infiltration by abnormal substances, such as amyloid proteins. This rigidity impairs the heart’s ability to fill properly during diastole, leading to symptoms of heart failure
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