A client presents to the emergency department with chest pain and is suspected of having a myocardial infarction (MI). The client asks the nurse about the diagnostic test used to confirm the diagnosis. Which test should the nurse mention?
Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Echocardiogram.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Chest X-ray.
The Correct Answer is A
A) This choice is correct. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the primary diagnostic tests used to confirm the diagnosis of a myocardial infarction (MI). An ECG can show characteristic changes, such as ST-segment elevation or Q waves, indicative of myocardial ischemia and injury.
B) This choice is incorrect because an echocardiogram is a useful imaging test to assess the heart's structure and function, but it is not the primary diagnostic test for confirming an MI.
C) This choice is incorrect because a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for assessing heart function and detecting certain cardiac abnormalities, but it is not typically the initial diagnostic test for MI.
D) This choice is incorrect because a chest X-ray can help identify other conditions like pulmonary edema or lung disorders, but it is not the primary diagnostic test for MI.
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 C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because sharp, stabbing pain is not typically associated with angina pectoris. It may be more characteristic of conditions like pleuritis or musculoskeletal pain.
B) This choice is incorrect because constant, burning pain is not typical of angina pectoris. It may be associated with conditions like heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
C) This choice is correct. Angina pectoris is often described as a crushing or pressure-like pain in the chest, which can be triggered by exertion or emotional stress. The pain may also radiate to the neck, jaw, or left arm.
D) This choice is incorrect because radiating pain to the left arm is associated with both angina pectoris and myocardial infarction (MI), but it is not specific enough to differentiate between the two conditions.
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