An emergency department nurse is assessing an adult woman for a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). When planning the assessment, the nurse should be aware that female patients may have which of the following symptoms for an MI? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Shortness of breath
Anxiety
Unusual fatigue
Back pain
Chest pain
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
A. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can be a symptom of a myocardial infarction in both men and women.
B. Anxiety
Anxiety can be a symptom in some cases, as individuals may feel a sense of impending doom or anxiety during an MI.
C. Unusual fatigue
Unusual fatigue, especially if it is severe or occurs with exertion, can be a symptom of a myocardial infarction.
D. Back pain
Back pain, particularly between the shoulder blades, can be a symptom of a myocardial infarction in women.
E. Chest pain
Chest pain or discomfort is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction. While women may experience chest pain, they are also more likely than men to have atypical symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The client now has developed a myocardial infarction:
A myocardial infarction (heart attack) is characterized by prolonged ischemia leading to damage or death of heart muscle cells. While the symptoms described could be concerning for a heart attack, the term "myocardial infarction" would typically imply a more sustained and severe ischemic event.
B. The client has developed Prinzmetal's angina:
Prinzmetal's angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by chest pain that usually occurs at rest and is caused by vasospasm of the coronary arteries. The given scenario does not specifically describe the typical characteristics of Prinzmetal's angina.
C. The client now has stable angina:
Stable angina typically follows a predictable pattern and is relieved with rest and/or nitroglycerin. However, the scenario describes a change in the usual pattern of chest pain.
D. The client now has unstable angina:
Unstable angina is characterized by a change in the usual pattern of stable angina, often occurring at rest or with minimal exertion and not relieved by usual measures. This option seems to align with the information provided.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Explanation: The signs and symptoms described, including crackles, orthopnea, S3 heart sound, cough with pink, frothy sputum, and low pulse oximetry, are more indicative of heart failure than COPD.
B. The development of left-sided heart failure
Explanation: This is the correct answer. The signs and symptoms, such as crackles, orthopnea, and cough with pink, frothy sputum, are characteristic of left-sided heart failure. The S3 heart sound is often associated with increased ventricular filling pressures.
C. The development of right-sided heart failure
Explanation: The presented signs and symptoms are more consistent with left-sided heart failure. Right-sided heart failure is often associated with peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, and jugular venous distension.
D. The development of cor pulmonale
Explanation: Cor pulmonale is typically associated with right-sided heart failure due to chronic lung disease. The signs and symptoms described are more indicative of left-sided heart failure.
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