A patient with angina pectoris is experiencing chest pain at rest and needs to take three nitroglycerin (NTG) pills to relieve the pain. What should the nurse consider this as a major symptom of?
Stable angina
Full-blown acute myocardial infarction (MI)
Unstable angina
Pulmonary embolus .
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Stable angina is characterized by chest pain that occurs with exertion and is relieved by rest. If a patient with angina pectoris is experiencing chest pain at rest and needs to take three nitroglycerin pills to relieve the pain, this is not typical of stable angina.
Choice B rationale
A full-blown acute myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, typically presents with severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. While chest pain at rest could be a symptom of an MI, other symptoms would likely be present.
Choice C rationale
Unstable angina is characterized by chest pain that occurs at rest, is severe and prolonged, and is not relieved by nitroglycerin. Therefore, a patient with angina pectoris who is experiencing chest pain at rest and needs to take three nitroglycerin pills to relieve the pain could be experiencing unstable angina.
Choice D rationale
Pulmonary embolus, a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, typically presents with sudden-onset shortness of breath, chest pain that may become worse upon deep breathing or coughing, and other symptoms. Chest pain at rest could be a symptom of a pulmonary embolus, but other symptoms would likely be present.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Exercise electrocardiography, also known as a stress test, is not typically the first-line emergent procedure for a patient with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This test is often used to diagnose coronary artery disease, but it is not typically used to treat an AMI5.
Choice B rationale
A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest with contrast could be used to visualize the heart and surrounding structures, but it is not typically the first-line emergent procedure for a patient with an AMI5.
Choice C rationale
An echocardiogram could be used to visualize the heart’s structure and function, but it is not typically the first-line emergent procedure for a patient with an AMI5.
Choice D rationale
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the correct answer. This procedure is often used as an emergent treatment for an AMI. It involves using a catheter to place a small structure called a stent to open up blood vessels in the heart that have been narrowed by plaque buildup.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While assessing the gag reflex is important in certain situations, such as after surgery involving anesthesia, it is not typically a crucial assessment following Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) of the lower extremity.
Choice B rationale
Checking for dye allergies is important before a procedure that uses contrast dye. However, it is not a crucial post-procedure assessment.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring of pedal pulses is crucial following PTA of the lower extremity. This is because the procedure involves the arteries in the legs, and monitoring pedal pulses can help assess blood flow to the area and detect potential complications such as occlusion or clot formation.
Choice D rationale
While the Ankle-Brachial Index can be used to diagnose Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), it is not typically a crucial assessment immediately following PTA3.
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