Question

A patient is diagnosed with moderate mitral valve stenosis. Which findings is the nurse most likely to encounter during the physical assessment of this patient? (Select all that apply.)

a. Dyspnea on exertion
b. Orthopnea
c. Palpitations
d. Asymptomatic
e. Neck vein distention

Answer 1

Patients with moderate mitral valve stenosis are likely to experience (a) dyspnea on exertion, (b) orthopnea,
(c) palpitations, and some may remain (d) asymptomatic. Neck vein distention is less common unless there is concurrent right heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient diagnosed with moderate mitral valve stenosis would most likely present with certain symptoms due to the restricted blood flow through the mitral valve. It is typical for these patients to experience dyspnea on exertion because the lungs may get congested with blood that backs up from the left atrium. Additionally, orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying down, can occur due to the increase in venous return to the heart when the patient is in a horizontal position, further exacerbating pulmonary congestion.



Palpitations may also be a common symptom due to the increased heart rate or irregular rhythms that can result from the strain placed on the heart. Some patients remain asymptomatic until the stenosis becomes more severe. While neck vein distention is typically associated with conditions affecting the right side of the heart, it is less likely to be observed in isolated mitral stenosis unless there is concurrent right heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.