CHAPTER 1 Cardiovascular System^65
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Anxiety
- Decreased cardiac output
- Activity intolerance
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Place patient in a high Fowler’s position to facilitate breathing.
- Monitor for:
- Pulmonary edema because of fluid overload.
- Thrombus because of a prosthetic valve.
- Arrhythmias because the heart may be irritable during and after surgery.
- Intake and output to monitor fluid balance.
- Weigh the patient daily to check fluid overload.
- Explain to the patient:
- Schedule rest periods during the day.
- Restrict diet to low-salt and low-fat foods.
Mitral Stenosis
WHAT WENT WRONG?
In mitral stenosis, scar tissue secondary to rheumatic fever forms on the mitral
valve. This causes it to narrow, increasing resistance to blood flow between the left
ventricle and left atrium, which means the heart needs to pump harder to maintain
blood flow.
PROGNOSIS
Mitral valve stenosis may be asymptomatic for years, never needing attention.
However, eventually symptoms may occur and progress, necessitating interven-
tion. Medication may be enough, or surgical intervention may be necessary.
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