Aortic valvuloplasty: medical and critical care nursing perspectives

Aortic valvuloplasty, an investigational alternative to valve replacement, is explained from the perspectives of a nurse in a cardiac catheterization laboratory, a nurse in a coronary care unit, and a cardiologist. A case study is presented along with a plan of care developed around three nursing diagnoses. A prevalvuloplasty nursing diagnosis includes a teaching plan to assist nurses in preparing patients for aortic valvuloplasty.