A client with a history of angina pectoris asks the nurse about the underlying cause of the chest pain. What should the nurse explain to the client?
"The chest pain is caused by an irregular heart rhythm."
"The coronary arteries are narrowed, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle."
"There is inflammation in the lining of the heart, leading to chest discomfort."
"The heart muscle is overworking, causing temporary oxygen deprivation."
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because furosemide is a loop diuretic used to treat fluid retention and edema in clients with congestive heart failure (CHF), but it does not directly reduce myocardial oxygen demand.
B) This choice is correct. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in decreased myocardial oxygen demand. It is often prescribed to clients with an MI and a history of CHF to improve cardiac function and reduce the workload on the heart.
C) This choice is incorrect because aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that prevents further clot formation and is commonly prescribed in clients with acute coronary syndrome, including MI. While it is beneficial in the context of MI management, it does not directly reduce myocardial oxygen demand.
D) This choice is incorrect because nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve chest pain (angina) by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the heart muscle. While it helps reduce anginal symptoms, it does not directly reduce myocardial oxygen demand as metoprolol does.
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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