Question

A client who has had a prosthetic valve replacement asks the nurse why he must take anticoagulants for the rest of his life. What is the nurse's best response?

a. "The prosthetic valve places you at greater risk for a heart attack."
b. "Blood clots form more easily in artificial replacement valves."
c. "The vein taken from your leg reduces circulation in the leg."
d. "The surgery left a lot of small clots in your heart and lungs."

Answer 1

A patient with a prosthetic valve replacement must take anticoagulants indefinitely because artificial valves are more prone to clot formation, which anticoagulants can help prevent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response to a client who has had a prosthetic valve replacement and asks why they must take anticoagulants for the rest of their life is: "Blood clots form more easily in artificial replacement valves." Artificial valves can cause changes in blood flow that may lead to increased risk of clot formation, which can cause serious health consequences such as strokes or pulmonary embolisms. Anticoagulant medications help to prevent these clots from forming and ensure the smooth functioning of the prosthetic valve.