A client with suspected myocardial infarction (MI) is admitted to the emergency department. The nurse asks the client about the onset and duration of chest pain. Which response should the nurse consider as indicative of an MI?
"The pain started suddenly and has lasted for 30 minutes."
"I have been experiencing chest discomfort for the past few days."
"The pain comes and goes, lasting only a few seconds at a time."
"I had a similar episode of chest pain a few months ago."
The Correct Answer is A
A) This choice is correct. The sudden onset of chest pain lasting for 30 minutes is a typical clinical manifestation of myocardial infarction (MI). The duration and intensity of chest pain are important indicators that suggest an acute cardiac event.
B) This choice is incorrect because chest discomfort lasting for a few days may be more characteristic of unstable angina, not an MI. Unstable angina is also a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention, but it is not synonymous with MI.
C) This choice is incorrect because chest pain that comes and goes, lasting only a few seconds at a time, is not typical of an MI. Such symptoms may indicate other non-cardiac conditions or stable angina.
D) This choice is incorrect because a similar episode of chest pain a few months ago is not indicative of the current acute event. The nurse should focus on the client's current symptoms and their acute presentation to determine the appropriate interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because while rest is essential during an angina episode, lying down in bed for an extended period is not necessary after administering nitroglycerin.
B) This choice is incorrect because monitoring blood pressure and heart rate every 15 minutes is not a standard nursing intervention after nitroglycerin administration. Monitoring vital signs as needed for the client's condition is appropriate.
C) This choice is incorrect because there is no need for the client to avoid drinking water or fluids after taking sublingual nitroglycerin.
D) This choice is correct. After taking sublingual nitroglycerin for chest pain relief, the client should sit or lie down and avoid sudden position changes. Nitroglycerin can cause systemic vasodilation and may lead to orthostatic hypotension, increasing the risk of dizziness or falls if the client stands up abruptly. Taking a seated or lying position reduces this risk and allows the medication to work effectively to relieve chest pain.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because measuring the levels of cardiac biomarkers in the blood is not the purpose of coronary angiography. Cardiac biomarkers are measured through blood tests to diagnose conditions like myocardial infarction (MI).
B) This choice is incorrect because a stress test evaluates the heart's response to increased demand and is different from coronary angiography.
C) This choice is correct. Coronary angiography is an invasive procedure that involves injecting a contrast dye into the coronary arteries. The dye allows visualization of the coronary arteries and identifies any blockages or narrowing that may be causing angina or other cardiac symptoms.
D) This choice is incorrect because assessing the heart's function using sound waves is characteristic of an echocardiogram, not coronary angiography.
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