Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding findings to watch for and report with aortic stenosis as follows:
- Compromised renal function: Progressively reduced blood supply to the kidneys can result in deterioration of renal function, diminished urine output, increased fluid and waste retention, and renal failure. Diminished urine output with increased fluid retention can result in acute weight gain and increased load on already failing heart, which can further complicate the outcome. Try peeing into an urinal and keep a record of volume of urine being emptied, each time the urinal is emptied. Calculate the total volume of urine emptied in a 24-hour interval. Report to your physician regarding any progressively decreasing volume of urine output. Also, increased retention of wastes can result in increased confusion and disorientation, which must be reported to the physician.
- Increasing confusion and dizziness: Reduced blood supply to end organ, brain, can result in increased confusion and frequency of dizzy episodes, thus contributing to falls and accidents. Report to your physician regarding any acute increase in confusion and dizziness, with any occurrence of falls and accidents.
- Increased weakness and fatigue: Reduced blood supply to the muscles can result in reduced oxygen supply to the muscle, thus leading to muscle pain, fatigue, and reduced endurance to activity. Report to your physician regarding any persistently growing fatigue and exhaustion.
