A nurse is teaching a client about the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction (MI). What is the primary cause of MI?
Vasospasm of the coronary arteries.
Formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Inflammation of the heart muscle.
Increased heart rate and contractility.
The Correct Answer is B
A) This choice is incorrect because vasospasm of the coronary arteries, known as variant (Prinzmetal) angina, is a type of angina pectoris but not the primary cause of MI. Vasospasms may contribute to the development of unstable angina but are not the primary mechanism leading to MI.
B) This choice is correct. The formation of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries is the primary cause of MI. Atherosclerosis is a gradual process of plaque buildup, narrowing the coronary arteries, and reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. If a plaque ruptures, it can lead to the formation of a blood clot that completely obstructs the artery, causing MI.
C) This choice is incorrect because inflammation of the heart muscle, known as myocarditis, is a separate condition and not the primary cause of MI.
D) This choice is incorrect because increased heart rate and contractility can be associated with certain conditions but are not the primary cause of MI. MI is primarily caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation and subsequent thrombus formation in the coronary arteries.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because inserting a stent is a part of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and not coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). CABG involves using blood vessels (grafts) to bypass blocked coronary arteries and restore blood flow to the heart.
B) This choice is incorrect because removing plaque from coronary arteries is not the primary purpose of CABG. CABG involves bypassing blocked arteries rather than removing the plaque.
C) This choice is incorrect because repairing damaged heart valves and improving cardiac function is a different surgical procedure, such as valve repair or replacement surgery. CABG does not address heart valve issues.
D) This choice is correct. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure that involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and grafting it to the blocked coronary artery. The graft bypasses the blockage, restoring blood flow to the heart and improving myocardial oxygen supply. CABG is used to treat significant coronary artery disease and improve cardiac function in clients with unstable angina or myocardial infarction.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
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