Question

The nurse is discharging a client home following mitral valve replacement. What statement indicates that the client requires further education?

a. "I will be able to carry heavy loads after 6 months of rest."
b. "I will have my teeth cleaned by the dentist in 2 weeks."
c. "I will avoid eating foods high in vitamin K, like spinach."
d. "I will use an electric razor instead of a straight razor to shave."

Answer 1

The client needs more education about dental hygiene after mitral valve replacement, as they should wait more than 2 weeks and take prophylactic antibiotics before dental cleaning to prevent endocarditis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that indicates the client requires further education following a mitral valve replacement is: "b. "I will have my teeth cleaned by the dentist in 2 weeks."" Patients who have undergone valve replacement surgery are at increased risk for infective endocarditis, particularly during the first few months after surgery. It is recommended that they take antibiotics before dental procedures that could introduce bacteria into the bloodstream for a period after the surgery. Although recommendations can vary based on individual cases and updated guidelines, many practitioners follow protocols that suggest waiting a few months and taking prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection. The other statements indicate a good understanding of post-operative care: avoiding heavy loads to allow for healing (a), avoiding foods high in vitamin K if the patient is on anticoagulant therapy (c), and using an electric razor to prevent cuts and bleeding (d).