The nurse is caring for a patient scheduled to undergo a mitral valve replacement. The nurse should monitor for which complication of mitral stenosis?

Explanation

• Mitral stenosis impedes blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle of the heart. This creates increased pulmonary vascular resistance, causing pulmonary hypertension

• Other complications of mitral stenosis include edema, right-sided heart failure, and reduced cardiac output

• Incorrect: Myocardial infarction is likely if the patient has underlying coronary artery disease, not mitral stenosis

• Incorrect: Fluid overload of the pulmonary circulation can impair gas exchange, potentially leading to respiratory acidosis as CO2 builds up

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