Due to increased left atrial pressure, a patient with mitral ...

[mikaylakyoung]

Due to increased left atrial pressure, a patient with mitral stenosis often suffers from:
 
  A. Pulmonary congestion
  B. Hepatomegaly
  C. Jugular venous distension
  D. Ventricular tachycardia

Question 2

In aortic stenosis, the patient's point of maximal impulse is commonly located at the:
 
  A. Fifth intercostal space mid-clavicular line
  B. Fifth intercostal space mid-axillary line
  C. Second intercostal space left sternal border
  D. Second intercostal space right sternal border

[mcarey591]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
In mitral stenosis, the most common presenting symptoms are dyspnea on exertion and hemoptysis due to pulmonary congestion. The pulmonary congestion is caused by increased left atrial pressure related to the decrease in left atrial emptying. Crackles may be heard at the lung bases but are not present in all patients with pulmonary congestion. Orthopnea may be present because the lungs become more congested in the recumbent position. In addition, atrial fibrillation often develops in patients with mitral stenosis, which, in turn, worsens the pulmonary congestion.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
In aortic stenosis, the left ventricle has to work against high resistance and eventually, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) develops. The LVH causes an enlarged left ventricle, and the point of maximal impulse located at the fifth intercostal space moves leftward toward the mid-axillary line.