Practice Quiz

CSC Cardiac Nursing Subspecialty

Category - Problems

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Which of the following statements is true for mechanical prosthetic valves versus biological valve?
  1. Mechanical valves require the use of life-long anticoagulant therapy while biologic valves never require anticoagulant therapy
  2. Mechanical valves last longer and thus are suitable for younger patients while biological valves deteriorate at a faster rate
  3. Both mechanical and biological valves require the use of life-long anticoagulant therapy
  4. Valve replacement cures the patient. None of the prosthetic valves need anticoagulation.
Explanation
Answer: B - Mechanical valves last longer and are typically used for patients under 65 or patients over 65 that have a long life expectancy, while biological valves deteriorate at a faster rate. Biologic valves deteriorate at a rate inversely proportional to the patient’s age (wear out faster in younger patients). Thus, biological valves are typically suitable for patients with an expected lifespan less than the life of the valve (15-20 years). Women who would like to become pregnant should also have biologic valves placed to avoid long-term teratogenic anticoagulants.
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