Nursing Interventions: Aortic Stenosis

1. Assist the patient in bathing, if necessary.
2. Provide a bedside commode because using a commode puts less stress on the heart than using a bedpan.
3. Offer diversional activities that are physically undemanding.
4. Alternate periods of rest to prevent extreme fatigue and dyspnea.
5. To reduce anxiety, allow the patient to express his concerns about the effects of activity restrictions on his resposibilities and routine.
6. Keep the patient’s legs elevated while he sits in a chair to improve venous return in the heart.
7. Place the patient in an upright position to relieve dyspnea.
8. Administer oxygen as needed to prevent tissue hypoxia.
9. Keep the patient in a low sodium diet. Consult with a dietitian to ensure that the patient receives foods that he likes while adhering to the diet restrictions.
10. Allow the patient to express his fears and concerns about the disorder, it’s impact on his life, and any impending surgery.
11. Monitor the patient’s vital signs, weight, and intake and output for signs of fluid overload.
12. Evaluate patient’s activity tolerance and degree of fatigue.
13. Monitor the patient for chest pain that may indicate cardiac ischemia.
14. Regularly assess the patient’s cardiopulmonary function.
15. Observe the patient for complications and adverse reactions to drug therapy.