A client presents with dyspnea, cough, fatigue, and orthopnea. On auscultation, there is an opening snap, and a diastolic murmur heard at the fifth intercostal space in the left sternal border. The client undergoes an echocardiogram to validate a pathologic condition. Which pathologic condition would the client most likely have?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The opening snap and diastolic murmur heard at the fifth intercostal space in the left sternal border indicate a problem with the mitral valve. The symptoms of dyspnea, cough, fatigue, and orthopnea further support a diagnosis of mitral valve stenosis, as this condition can cause increased pressure in the left atrium and lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and breathing difficulties. An echocardiogram would confirm this diagnosis.

A Client Presents with Dyspnea, Cough, Fatigue, and Orthopnea