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Chapter 2
•
Cardiovascular Care
TIP:
Valvular insufficiency is also
known as regurgitation, incompe-
tence, or a leaky valve.
Nursing Considerations
•
Stress the importance of adequate
rest. Assist with bathing if
necessary. Provide a bedside
commode because using a
commode puts less stress on the
heart than using a bedpan. Offer
the patient diversionary, physically
undemanding activities.
•
Alternate periods of activity with
periods of rest to prevent extreme
fatigue and dyspnea.
•
To reduce anxiety, allow the
patient to express his concerns
about the effects of activity
restrictions on his responsibilities
and routines.
•
Keep the patient’s legs elevated
while he sits in a chair to improve
venous return to the heart.
•
Place the patient in an upright
position to relieve dyspnea, if
necessary, and administer oxygen
to prevent tissue hypoxia.
•
Maintain the patient on a low-
sodium diet.
•
Monitor the patient for signs
of HF, pulmonary edema, and
adverse reactions to drug therapy.
PICTURING
PATHO
Teaching About Valvular Disease
•
Advise the patient
to plan for periodic
rest in his daily
routine to prevent
undue fatigue.
•
Teach the patient
about diet
restrictions, medications,
symptoms that should be
reported, and the importance
of consistent follow-up care.
•
Tell the patient to elevate his
legs whenever he sits.
•
Explain all tests and treatments.
•
Make sure the patient and his
family understand the need
to comply with prolonged
antibiotic therapy and follow-up
care, and the need for an
additional antibiotic during
dental procedures.
•
Tell the patient to stop
medications immediately
and notify the physician if he
develops a rash, fever, chills,
or other signs or symptoms
of allergy at any time taking
antibiotics.
•
Instruct the patient and his
family to watch for and report
early signs and symptoms of HF,
such as dyspnea and a hacking,
nonproductive cough.
•
Teach the patient about diet
restrictions, medications,
symptoms that should be
reported, and the importance
of consistent follow-up care.
•
Make sure the patient and
family understand the need
to comply with prolonged
antibiotic therapy and follow-up
care.
•
Make sure the patient and
family understand the need
for an additional antibiotic
during dental or other surgical
procedures.