The nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty to treat mitral stenosis. When explaining the advantage of valvuloplasty instead of valve replacement to the client, which of the following informationshould the nurse include?
A)Biological replacement valves require the use of immuno-suppressive drugs.
B)Mechanical mitral valves require replacement approximately every 5 years.
C)Lifelong anticoagulant therapy is needed after mechanical valve replacement.
D)Ongoing cardiac care by a health care provider is unnecessary after valvuloplasty.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Long-term anticoagulation therapy is needed after mechanical valve replacement, and this would restrict decisions about career and childbearing in this client. Mechanical valves are durable and last longer than 5 years. All valve repair procedures are palliative, not curative, and require lifelong health care. Biological valves do not activate the immune system, and immuno-suppressive therapy is not needed.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Scheduled