The patient diagnosed with inadequate closure of the mitral valve is scheduled for surgery and asks the nurse,"Why does it matter if my valve leaks?" What is the nurse's best response to explain why this mitral valve needs to be repaired?
A) "Blood backflows from the left ventricle to the left atrium, reducing available blood flowing to the body."
B) "Blood backflows from the right ventricle to the right atrium, reducing available blood flow to the lungs."
C) "Blood backflows from the aorta into the left ventricle, reducing blood pressure and causing dizziness."
D) "Blood backflows from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle, reducing blood flow to the lungs."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle,so backflow of blood results in reduced cardiac output to the body.The damaged mitral valve does not impact blood flow to the lungs but may impact blood flow from the lungs to the left atrium.The aortic valve is located between the aorta and the left ventricle.The pulmonic valve is located between the pulmonary artery and right ventricle.

The Patient Diagnosed with Inadequate Closure of the Mitral Valve