Where it is
The tricuspid valve lies between the right atrium and ventricle, the mitral valve between the left atrium and ventricle, and the pulmonic and aortic valves at the exits of the ventricles.
What it does
Closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves makes S1 ("lub"); closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves makes S2 ("dub").
Clinical relevance
- Stenosis means the valve does not open fully; regurgitation means it does not close fully. Both cause murmurs.
- Mitral valve disease can lead to atrial fibrillation and pulmonary congestion.
- Mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation.
Nursing focus
- Auscultation areas: aortic (2nd right ICS), pulmonic (2nd left ICS), Erb's point (3rd left ICS), tricuspid (4th left ICS), mitral (5th left ICS, midclavicular line). Mnemonic: All Physicians Eat Too Much.
- Teach clients with valve disease about endocarditis prevention and dental care.