A client comes to the emergency department with chest pain, and the nurse suspects a myocardial infarction (MI). What is the priority action for the nurse?
Obtain a detailed health history from the client.
Administer aspirin as prescribed.
Perform a complete physical examination.
Place the client in a supine position.
The Correct Answer is B
A) This choice is incorrect because obtaining a detailed health history is important, but administering aspirin is the priority action in a suspected MI. Aspirin helps to prevent further clot formation and reduces the risk of complications during a myocardial infarction.
B) This choice is correct. Administering aspirin as prescribed is the priority action in a suspected MI. Aspirin acts as an antiplatelet agent and can help to prevent the formation of blood clots that could exacerbate the blockage in the coronary artery.
C) This choice is incorrect because while performing a complete physical examination is important, administering aspirin takes precedence in a suspected MI to address the potential clot formation.
D) This choice is incorrect because placing the client in a supine position is not the priority action in a suspected MI. The client's position should be adjusted based on their comfort and ability to breathe effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because chest pain relieved by rest and nitroglycerin is characteristic of stable angina, not an MI. Stable angina is triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress and is usually relieved by rest and nitroglycerin use.
B) This choice is correct. Diaphoresis (profuse sweating) and nausea are clinical manifestations commonly associated with an MI but not usually seen in stable angina. These symptoms are a result of the sympathetic nervous system's response to the heart muscle's decreased oxygen supply during an MI.
C) This choice is incorrect because chest pain triggered by emotional stress is characteristic of stable angina, not an MI. Emotional stress can cause vasospasms in the coronary arteries, leading to angina episodes.
D) This choice is incorrect because shortness of breath and wheezing may occur in both stable angina and MI, especially if the heart's pumping ability is compromised. These symptoms are not specific to MI and can also be seen in other cardiac and respiratory conditions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because chest pain caused by an irregular heart rhythm is more characteristic of arrhythmias, not angina pectoris.
B) This choice is correct. Angina pectoris is caused by the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerotic plaques, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle during periods of increased demand (e.g., physical exertion, stress).
C) This choice is incorrect because inflammation in the lining of the heart is associated with conditions like pericarditis or myocarditis, not angina pectoris.
D) This choice is incorrect because chest pain caused by the heart muscle overworking is more typical of conditions like heart failure, not angina pectoris.
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