Thad Phelps Teaching Project

Patient teaching module for Post-Operative Care for Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement : 

Patient teaching module for Post-Operative Care for Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement

Slide 2: 

Click to view video introduction

What to expect : 

What to expect After leaving the hospital Wound care Continuation of anticoagulation therapy Changes in lifestyle Check-up in 3-4 weeks for re-evaluation Patients without complications will be seen at yearly intervals

What to expect : 

What to expect Wound care Wash hands before touching Wash all incisions daily Keep clean and dry Avoid itching Wash hands before touching

Slide 5: 

Signs of infection Increased swelling Increased Pain and warmth Discoloration Puss or discharge Odor Chills or fever Examine incision site daily for these signs: And notify your surgeon immediately

What to expect : 

What to expect Continuation of anticoagulation therapy warfarin (Coumadin)

Slide 7: 

warfarin (Coumadin) Actions Avoid over the counter preparations Use soft-bristle toothbrush and electric razor Avoid hazardous activities that may result in blood loss Report any signs of bleeding Avoid unusual changes in diet or lifestyle Carry ID card and advise dentist and other medical professionals Take at same time each day

What to expect : 

What to expect Check up in 3-4 weeks for re- evaluation International Normalized Ratio (INR) Values of 2.5 to 3.5 are normal for patients with mechanical valves

What to expect : 

What to expect Changes in lifestyle Regular physical activity Taking planned rest periods Wear a Medic Alert bracelet Alert health care professional if surgery or dental care is required

Slide 10: 

Regular Physical Exercise Don’t: In early stages, avoid activities that put stress on sutures (pull ups, push ups) Overdo it. Do: Regular physical activity 5 or more times a week Intensity should be determined by your HR Activity should be regular, rythmic, repetative (walking, cycling, swimming)

Possible complications : 

Possible complications and when to seek medical attention Embolism Bleeding Prosthetic ValvularEndocarditis

Slide 12: 

Medical proceedures requiring antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent Endocarditis Genitourinary Prostate surgery Oropharyngeal All dental procedures likely to produce bleeding of the gums or mouth, including professional cleaning Tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy Gastrointestinal Abdominal surgery Endoscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy Respiratory Surgery or biopsy involving larynx Bronchoscopy

Slide 13: 

Click to view video conclusion

Resources : 

Resources Butchart, E.G. et al. (2005). Recommendations for the management of patients after heart valve surgery. European Heart Journal, 26, 2463 -2471 library.osfhealthcare.org/PatientEd/Cardiologypdf/113-1958-02.pdf Lewis, S. L. et al. (2007). Medical-Surgical Nursing (7th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby Elsevier Mosby’s Nursing Drug Reference (23rd ed.). (2010). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby Elsevier Smeltzer, S.C. et al. (2008). Brunner &Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (11th ed.). Philadelphia, PA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins