A client with a history of angina is being admitted to the emergency department with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following findings will help the nurse distinguish stable angina from an MI?
MI only occurs with exertion.
Stable angina can occur for longer than 30 minutes.
Stable angina can be relieved with rest and nitroglycerin.
The pain of an MI lasts less than 15 minutes.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Myocardial infarction (MI) is not limited to occurrences with exertion. While stable angina typically occurs during physical activity or emotional stress, MI can happen at any time, even at rest. The underlying cause of an MI is the complete blockage of blood supply to a part of the heart muscle, usually due to a blood clot in a coronary artery. This blockage can lead to the death of heart muscle tissue, a condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B reason: Stable angina does not typically last for more than 30 minutes. It is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs predictably with exertion or emotional stress and is relieved within minutes by rest or nitroglycerin. In contrast, the pain from an MI is more prolonged and severe, and it is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. If chest discomfort lasts longer than 15 minutes and is not alleviated by rest or nitroglycerin, it is a warning sign that the individual may be experiencing an MI.
Choice C reason: This is the distinguishing feature between stable angina and an MI. Stable angina is usually relieved within 3-5 minutes by rest or nitroglycerin, which helps to dilate the coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is ineffective in relieving the symptoms of an MI because the problem is not just reduced blood flow but a complete blockage that nitroglycerin cannot overcome.
Choice D reason: The pain associated with an MI typically lasts for more than 15 minutes and can be quite severe. Unlike stable angina, the pain of an MI is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The duration and severity of the pain, along with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness, help differentiate an MI from stable angina.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:Lactulose is used in hepatic encephalopathy primarily to lower blood ammonia levels. It works by converting ammonia in the intestines into ammonium, which is then excreted³. Therefore, a decrease in ammonia levels would indicate the effectiveness of the medication.
Choice B reason:While lactulose can relieve constipation due to its laxative effect, relief of constipation is not the primary indicator of its effectiveness in treating hepatic encephalopathy³.
Choice C reason:Decreased liver enzymes are not a direct measure of lactulose's effectiveness in hepatic encephalopathy. Liver enzymes are indicators of liver function, not ammonia levels³.
Choice D reason:Relief of abdominal pain is not a specific indicator of lactulose's effectiveness in hepatic encephalopathy. The medication's primary role is to reduce ammonia levels, not to alleviate pain³.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A: Administer antiemetics as needed Reason: Acute pancreatitis often causes severe nausea and vomiting. Antiemetics are administered to control these symptoms and prevent further complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice B: Administer analgesics as needed Reason: Pain management is a crucial part of the treatment for acute pancreatitis. The condition can cause severe abdominal pain, and analgesics are administered to provide relief.
Choice C: NPO (nothing by mouth) until pain-free Reason: The goal in treating acute pancreatitis is to allow the pancreas to rest and recover from the inflammation3. Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) helps achieve this by reducing the stimulation and workload of the pancreas.
Choice D: Monitor blood glucose and provide insulin as needed Reason: Acute pancreatitis can affect the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Therefore, monitoring blood glucose levels and administering insulin as needed is an important part of the management plan.
Choice E: Side-lying or fetal position Reason: While the side-lying or fetal position might help some patients with abdominal pain, it is not a standard intervention for acute pancreatitis. Therefore, this option is not correct.
Choice F: Monitor hydration status Reason: Patients with acute pancreatitis are at risk of dehydration due to symptoms like vomiting and decreased oral intake. Monitoring hydration status is crucial to ensure appropriate fluid replacement.
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