Nokea
A client with aortic regurgitation is experiencing dyspnea and chest pain with activity. The nurse knows that the cause of the symptoms can be best determined by which diagnostic test?
- A. Radionuclide scan
- B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- C. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
- D. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Because the symptoms occur with activity, a radionuclide scan could compare the blood flow through the heart at rest and during activity, giving valuable information about the severity of the diseased valve. ECG, TEE, and MRI are diagnostic tests used in the diagnosis of cardiac disease but less specific for exercise evaluation.
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The client has been diagnosed with aortic regurgitation. Which nursing data is most significant in identifying the cause for this disorder?
- A. Obesity
- B. Tobacco use
- C. Fen-Phen
- D. Lack of exercise
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The incidence of mitral and aortic regurgitation increased by as much as 36% in 1997, due to the use of fenfluramine with phentermine (Fen-Phen) for weight loss. Obesity, tobacco use, and lack of exercise have been identified as risk factors for heart disease but not a significant identified cause for aortic regurgitation.
What is the best technique to identify structural changes in the mitral valve?
- A. Chest radiography
- B. Cardiac catheterization
- C. Transthoracic echocardiogram
- D. Cardiac stress test
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.
The nurse is interviewing a client who is being admitted for possible mitral regurgitation. Which historical fact is of greatest value to the nurse?
- A. Congenital neural tube defect
- B. Rheumatic fever
- C. One-pack-a-day smoker for 20 years
- D. Pacemaker inserted 2 years ago
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rheumatic fever and subsequent heart disease is the prominent cause of valvular insufficiency. Congenital neural tube defect is associated with spina bifida not mitral regurgitation. Smoking and insertion of pacemaker are significant to heart disorders but not of greatest value as rheumatic fever.
A client is scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Which statement from the nurse best explains this procedure to family members?
- A. A small incision in the chest wall will allow for valve repair.
- B. A catheter is used for partial replacement of the valve.
- C. A small window incision is made so a pig valve can replace the diseased valve.
- D. A complete aortic valve replacement is the best surgical treatment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TAVI procedure is a minimally invasive procedure (no incision) that uses balloon valvuloplasty, stent, and partial replacement of the diseased valve using a portion of a pig valve. The TAVI is mostly used in older adults who are at high risk for the complete aortic valve replacement and helps to relieve recurring symptoms.
A client reports a family history of aortic stenosis. Which assessment finding would the nurse identify as a likely contributing factor?
- A. High blood pressure
- B. Missing aortic cusp
- C. Unidirectional blood flow
- D. Chest pain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In young adults, aortic stenosis usually is a consequence of a congenital defect in which the valve has two instead of three cusps. High blood pressure and chest pain are symptoms that can be exhibited in aortic stenosis. Unidirectional blood flow is the normal flow of blood through the heart.