A client is admitted with chest pain, and the nurse is assessing for clinical manifestations of myocardial infarction (MI). Which sign is characteristic of an MI but not usually seen in stable angina?
Pain relieved by rest and nitroglycerin.
Diaphoresis and nausea.
Chest pain triggered by emotional stress.
Shortness of breath and wheezing.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because myoglobin is a cardiac biomarker that may be elevated in MI, but it lacks specificity and can also be elevated in other conditions like skeletal muscle injury.
B) This choice is incorrect because C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker and is not specific to MI. It may be elevated in various inflammatory conditions.
C) This choice is incorrect because brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker associated with heart failure and is not specific to diagnosing MI.
D) This choice is correct. Troponin is the most specific biomarker for diagnosing MI. Elevated troponin levels in the blood indicate cardiac muscle damage, making it a reliable marker for myocardial infarction. Troponin levels rise shortly after the onset of MI and remain elevated for several days, making it valuable in both early and delayed MI detection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) This choice is correct. Measuring troponin levels in the blood is a common initial diagnostic test for evaluating suspected angina pectoris or myocardial infarction (MI). Troponins are specific markers released into the bloodstream when there is cardiac muscle damage, and elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial injury.
B) This choice is incorrect because a stress test is used to assess the heart's response to increased demand and is typically performed after the initial evaluation, such as measuring troponin levels, to confirm the presence of angina or MI.
C) This choice is incorrect because coronary angiography is an invasive procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries and assess for blockages. It is not typically the initial diagnostic test for angina pectoris or MI.
D) This choice is incorrect because cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure used to measure pressures within the heart and evaluate coronary artery blockages. It is not typically the initial diagnostic test for angina pectoris or MI.
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