Valvular Heart Disease
Which valve is most commonly affected by rheumatic heart disease?
Mitral valve
Mechanical valves require lifelong _________.
Anticoagulation
Rheumatic fever usually follows what type of infection?
Untreated Group A Streptococcal sore throat
What is the hallmark symptom?
Persistent fever
Myocarditis is inflammation of the __________.
Myocardium
Name three common manifestations of valvular heart disease.
Tissue valves usually require lifelong anticoagulation.
false
What heart structure becomes damaged?
Heart valves
What diagnostic test confirms the organism?
Blood cultures
What commonly causes myocarditis?
Viral infection
Which assessment finding suggests worsening aortic stenosis?
A. Bradycardia
B. Syncope during activity
C. Dry cough
D. Hypertension
B. Syncope during activity
After valve replacement surgery, what assessment takes priority?
Assess for decreased cardiac output and bleeding.
What is the best prevention?
Prompt treatment of strep throat with antibiotics
Name three classic assessment findings.
Patients often report what symptoms?
What complication are patients with damaged valves especially at risk for?
Infective endocarditis
What medication is commonly prescribed after mechanical valve replacement?
Warfarin
Which assessment finding is expected?
A. Loud bowel sounds
B. New murmur
C. Hyperactive reflexes
D. Polyuria
B. New murmur
What IV treatment is commonly required?
Long-term IV antibiotics (4–6 weeks)
What serious complication may develop?
Heart failure
The nurse teaches a patient with severe valvular disease to report which symptoms immediately?
Name four postoperative complications after valve surgery.
Why are recurrent streptococcal infections dangerous?
They can cause additional valve damage.
What life-threatening complication results from vegetations breaking loose?
Embolization (stroke, pulmonary emboli, organ infarction)
Why are dysrhythmias common?
Inflammation disrupts the heart's electrical conduction.