The nurse assesses a male client who is brought to the emergency department (ED) by his family who believes he is having a heart attack. Which finding is the best indicator that a client is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction (AMI)?
Pain in the neck, jaw, or medial side of the left arm.
Anterior thorax pain that radiates between the scapulae.
Localized sternal border pain intensified by palpation.
Chest pain that intensifies upon chest excursion.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Pain radiating to the neck, jaw, or medial side of the left arm is a classic symptom of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This type of referred pain occurs because the heart's pain signals are often perceived in other areas of the body. This finding is a strong indicator of AMI and is consistent with the typical presentation of myocardial infarction.
B. Pain in the anterior thorax that radiates between the scapulae can be associated with various conditions, including myocardial infarction, but it is less specific than pain radiating to the neck, jaw, or arm. While this type of pain can occur in AMI, it is not as distinctive as the classic left arm pain and may also be seen in conditions like angina or musculoskeletal issues.
C. Localized sternal border pain that worsens with palpation is more indicative of a musculoskeletal issue, such as costochondritis, rather than an acute myocardial infarction. AMI typically presents with diffuse chest pain that is not localized or worsened by palpation.
D. Chest pain that worsens with chest movement, such as deep breathing or coughing, is more characteristic of pleuritic pain or musculoskeletal pain rather than an acute myocardial infarction. In AMI, the pain is generally persistent and not influenced by respiratory movements.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["20"]
Explanation
The standard distance for a visual acuity test using the Snellen chart is 20 feet. This distance allows for an accurate assessment of how well a person can see the details of the letters on the chart, which is a common method used by eye doctors to measure visual acuity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Observing the chest and upper neck for a rash is not directly relevant to assessing tinnitus. Tinnitus is an auditory condition, and a rash in these areas would not typically provide information about the presence or effects of tinnitus. This option is not suitable for evaluating tinnitus.
B. Evaluating for a loss of peripheral vision is related to visual assessments rather than auditory conditions. Peripheral vision loss does not provide direct information about tinnitus or its effects. This option is not relevant to assessing the impact of tinnitus.
C. Assessing deep tendon reflexes is a neurological examination that helps evaluate the functioning of the nervous system but does not provide information about tinnitus. Tinnitus is related to auditory perception and not directly assessed through reflexes.
D. Performing a hearing test is directly relevant to evaluating tinnitus. Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss or auditory dysfunction. A hearing test can help determine if there is a hearing impairment or other auditory issues associated with tinnitus.
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