A client who recently had a myocardial infarction (MI) is scheduled to start a cardiac rehabilitation program. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this program. How should the nurse respond?

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.

A) This choice is incorrect because ranolazine does not increase heart rate and cardiac output. Instead, it has a neutral effect on heart rate.

B) This choice is incorrect because ranolazine does not directly dilate coronary arteries. Its primary action is to reduce myocardial oxygen demand and improve oxygen utilization in the heart.

C) This choice is correct. Ranolazine is an anti-anginal medication that primarily works by reducing myocardial oxygen demand. It achieves this by inhibiting the late sodium current in cardiac cells, which helps decrease intracellular calcium levels, thereby reducing the energy required for the heart's contraction and relaxation. This results in improved oxygen utilization in the heart muscle and decreased anginal symptoms.

D) This choice is incorrect because ranolazine is not an antiplatelet medication. Its mechanism of action is related to its effects on myocardial oxygen demand and utilization, not its impact on platelet aggregation and clot formation.

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