Final answer:
A patient who receives a xenograft valve typically does not require anticoagulant therapy but will need the valve replaced in about 7 to 10 years, as these valves tend to degrade over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient who is a candidate for a xenograft valve does not require ongoing anticoagulant therapy but will typically require replacement of the valve within about 7 to 10 years. Xenograft valves, which are made from animal tissue, are often chosen because they are less likely to trigger clot formation than mechanical valves, hence not necessitating the regular use of anticoagulants. However, like all biological tissue valves, they tend to wear out and deteriorate over time.
Monitoring for pulmonary edema or other complications typically associated with heart valve dysfunction would be important postoperatively, but the specific intervention following xenograft valve placement is valve replacement after a certain period. Daily temperature checks may be a practice during the postoperative period to watch for any immediate signs of infection or rejection, but it is not the designated long-term intervention. An exercise program is part of general cardiac rehabilitation and is not specific to those with xenograft valves.