Question

A client at 28 weeks' gestation with previously diagnosed mitral valve stenosis is being evaluated in the clinic. Which sign or symptom indicates that the client is experiencing cardiac difficulties?

Answer 1

Breathlessness on exertion, giddiness, pallor of the skin, and possible ankle edema in severe cases are signs that a client with mitral valve stenosis at 28 weeks' gestation is experiencing cardiac difficulties. These symptoms warrant immediate evaluation due to the strain pregnancy puts on the heart.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client at 28 weeks' gestation with previously diagnosed mitral valve stenosis is being evaluated for signs of cardiac difficulties. The symptoms indicative of such difficulties in this context may include breathlessness on exertion, giddiness, and pallor of the skin. Additionally, symptoms of cardiac stress due to valve issues might involve difficulty breathing and shortness of breath (dyspnea), irregular heartbeat (palpitations), and possible edema of the ankles in severe cases.

In women of child-bearing age, these symptoms can be particularly concerning and warrant immediate attention due to the increased blood volume and cardiac output required during pregnancy, which can exacerbate underlying heart conditions like mitral valve stenosis. Should any of these symptoms present, particularly if they are in conjunction with one another, it indicates the patient is likely experiencing cardiac difficulties and would require further evaluation and possibly immediate treatment.