CHAPTER 1 Cardiovascular System^63
- heparin
- warfarin
- enoxaparin
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Anxiety
- Decreased cardiac output
- Activity intolerance
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Place patient in a high Fowler’s position to facilitate breathing.
- Oxygen.
- Pain management.
- Monitor for:
- Pulmonary edema because of backflow to the lungs.
- Thrombus because a foreign object (valve) is in place, and may cause
clotting. - Arrhythmias because the heart may be irritable secondary to surgery.
- Weigh the patient daily to be aware of fluid overload.
- Explain to the patient:
- Schedule rest periods during the day.
- Restrict diet to low-sodium and low-fat foods.
Mitral Insufficiency
WHAT WENT WRONG?
Leakage of the mitral valve causes blood to flow back from the left ventricle into
the left atrium. As a result, blood might flow back into the lungs. Mitral regurgi-
tation is due to an incompetent valve, damaged from rheumatic fever, CAD, or
endocarditis.
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