The nurse knows which of the following types of angina is most closely related with an impending myocardial infarction (MI)?
Unstable
Variant
Chronic stable
Nocturnal
The Correct Answer is A
A) Unstable:
Unstable angina is the type of angina most closely related to an impending myocardial infarction (MI). It is characterized by unpredictable chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion, or that increases in severity or frequency. Unstable angina represents a medical emergency and can progress to an MI if not promptly treated. It occurs when there is increased myocardial oxygen demand and a partially occluded coronary artery, often due to a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque.
B) Variant (Prinzmetal's) angina:
Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is caused by a spasm of the coronary artery, which temporarily narrows or obstructs blood flow. Although it can be severe and may occur at rest, it is typically transient and is not directly related to the development of an MI. Variant angina usually responds to medications such as nitrates or calcium channel blockers, and while it can be dangerous, it is not the most likely type of angina associated with a myocardial infarction.
C) Chronic stable angina:
Chronic stable angina occurs with predictable patterns, typically with exertion or stress, and resolves with rest or nitroglycerin. It does not usually indicate an impending MI, as it is a chronic condition caused by atherosclerosis that limits the heart's blood supply under stress. While chronic stable angina increases the risk of MI over time, it is not directly associated with an imminent heart attack.
D) Nocturnal angina:
Nocturnal angina refers to chest pain that occurs during the night or early morning hours, often during sleep. It may be associated with sleep apnea, GERD, or increased sympathetic tone during sleep. This type of angina is less commonly linked to an impending MI compared to unstable angina, although it should still be evaluated for any underlying cardiovascular issues.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Ensure bed alarm is on when leaving patient's room:
The cerebellum plays a critical role in coordinating movement, balance, and motor control. An injury to this area can lead to impaired coordination and dysfunction in balance, making it difficult for the patient to perform the Romberg test (which evaluates balance and proprioception). Given that the patient cannot complete the Romberg test, this suggests the risk of falling or injuring themselves due to impaired balance and coordination. The priority nursing intervention is to ensure safety by using a bed alarm to alert staff if the patient attempts to get out of bed, thereby preventing falls.
B) Vary schedule to prevent memorization and boredom:
While changing the patient's routine may help with engagement, it is not the priority intervention for a patient with cerebellar injury. The primary concern in this situation is safety due to the patient's impaired balance. Addressing issues related to cognitive function or boredom may be important but comes after ensuring the patient’s physical safety.
C) Clarify misinformation and reorient when confused:
Reorientation may be necessary if the patient is confused or disoriented, but this is not the primary concern related to cerebellar injury. The patient’s balance and motor coordination are the most pressing issues. While mental clarity is important, preventing falls due to impaired motor control is the immediate priority.
D) Deep breathing and incentive spirometer education:
Deep breathing exercises and using an incentive spirometer are essential to prevent respiratory complications, particularly after surgery or immobility. However, in this case, the priority concern is the patient's safety related to impaired balance from the cerebellar injury. Respiratory interventions are important but should be addressed after ensuring that the patient is safe from falls and other immediate physical risks.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Assess lung sounds and respiratory rate at least every 2 hours:
In a patient with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) who has undergone thymectomy, monitoring respiratory status is critical. MG is a neuromuscular disorder that can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, which may be exacerbated post-operatively. Assessing lung sounds and respiratory rate at least every 2 hours is crucial to detect early signs of respiratory compromise, including hypoventilation or atelectasis.
B) Assess and document pain level once every shift:
While pain assessment is important, especially after a thymectomy, this action alone does not directly address the immediate issue of ineffective breathing patterns. In patients with MG, respiratory complications are a priority concern. Pain management should be part of the overall plan of care, but it is secondary to monitoring respiratory function in the acute post-operative period. Pain can affect respiratory effort, but it should be managed in the context of more pressing issues like airway and breathing assessment.
C) Maintain sequential compression device (SCD's) while in bed:
While SCDs are important in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients who are immobile, they are not the most appropriate intervention for a client with ineffective breathing patterns. The primary concern in a post-thymectomy patient with MG is respiratory function.
D) Elevate the head of the bed ten degrees:
While elevating the head of the bed can help with comfort and potentially improve ventilation in some patients, it is not the most specific or effective intervention for managing ineffective breathing patterns in a patient with MG. For optimal respiratory function, it is typically more beneficial to elevate the head of the bed to a higher degree (e.g., 30-45 degrees) to enhance lung expansion, rather than just 10 degrees.
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