Chapter 24: Caring for Clients With Valvular Disorders of the Heart - Nurselytic

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is one of the first signs of cardiac compensation. When valve damage affects the left ventricle, the client becomes aware of forceful heart contractions (palpitations). At first, palpitations occur only when lying flat or on the left side. Aortic valve regurgitation does not produce left-sided heart failure, pain, or dysrhythmias as the first symptom of disease.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Mitral regurgitation is associated with rheumatic carditis and mitral valve prolapse. It is not associated with aortic stenosis, cellulitis, or pulmonary fibrosis. Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve, not related to the mitral valve. Cellulitis is inflammation in tissue, and pulmonary fibrosis is a scarring in the tissue of the lung.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Standard transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography is the best technique to identify structural changes in the mitral valve because the performance of the valve during the cardiac cycle can be evaluated. Chest radiography shows structures in the chest. Cardiac catheterization evaluates patency of arteries and measures pressures in cardiac chambers. Cardiac stress testing shows areas of the heart muscle that may become ischemic with exercise.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Clients with valvular disorders often need to limit sodium intake because decreasing the volume of blood decreases cardiac workload. Eating six small meals daily, limiting caloric intake, and increasing the intake of B and C vitamins would not help a client with a valvular disorder.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Because aortic regurgitation is mild and only slowly progressive in most people, clients are sustained with cardiac glycosides or beta-blockers and diuretics. Antihypertensives, anticoagulants, and antiarrhythmics are not the type of drugs used to treat aortic regurgitation.