(^70) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
- Jugular venous distention due to overload in the right atria
- Hepatic congestion from backflow
- S3 murmur upon inspiration
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- X-ray shows enlarged right ventricle and right atrium because of volume
overload. - Echocardiogram depicts prolapsed tricuspid valve and enlarged right side of
the heart. - EKG depicts enlarged right ventricle and right atrium, characterized by broad
P- and QRS–waves.
TREATMENT
Correct any underlying heart disease to reduce pressure on the right atrium, ven-
tricle, and thus, the valve.- Administer anticoagulant medication following surgery to prevent thrombus
around the tricuspid valve:- heparin
- warfarin
- dalteparin
- enoxaparin
- Tricuspid valve repair or replacement.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Anxiety
- Decreased cardiac output
- Activity intolerance
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Place patient in a high Fowler’s position to facilitate breathing.