A 24-year-old female client comes to the ambulatory care center in moderate distress with a probable diagnosis of acute cystitis.
Which symptom should the nurse expect the client to report during the assessment?

Choice D rationale

Administering aspirin 325 orally is important for clients with a myocardial infarction (MI). Aspirin helps to inhibit platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of further clot formation and improving blood flow to the heart. This can significantly decrease mortality and complications associated with MI.

Choice E rationale

Applying oxygen via nasal cannula helps to increase oxygen delivery to the heart and other vital organs during an MI. Ensuring adequate oxygenation can help reduce the extent of myocardial injury and support overall cardiac function during a critical period.

Choice A rationale

Placing the client in a supine position is not appropriate during an MI, as it can increase discomfort and the workload on the heart. Instead, the client should be positioned in a semi-Fowler’s or comfortable position to improve breathing and comfort.

Choice B rationale

Administering morphine intramuscularly is not recommended during an MI. Morphine can be used for pain relief but should be given intravenously to ensure rapid onset and better control over dosing. Intramuscular administration is less effective and can delay pain relief.

Choice C rationale

Administering nitroglycerin subcutaneously is not appropriate. Nitroglycerin is typically given sublingually or intravenously during an MI to provide rapid vasodilation and pain relief. Subcutaneous administration is not effective in this context. .

Choice B rationale

Radiating pain to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction (MI). This pain occurs due to the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen, often because of a blockage in one or more coronary arteries. The pain can radiate to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back, and is a key indicator for diagnosing an MI.

Choice A rationale

Nausea and vomiting can occur during an MI but are not the most distinctive symptoms for diagnosis. They can also be associated with other conditions, making them less specific indicators of MI.

Choice C rationale

Shortness of breath is a common symptom during an MI, resulting from reduced oxygen supply to the heart. However, while it is an important clinical manifestation, it can also be associated with other cardiac or respiratory conditions.

Choice D rationale

Headache is not a typical symptom of an MI. It is less commonly associated with heart attacks and can be caused by a wide range of other factors, making it an unreliable symptom for diagnosing MI.