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) Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP):
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a type of pneumonia that develops in patients who have been on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. It is a common and serious complication in critically ill patients on ventilators. Symptoms such as fever, green sputum, and right lower lobe crackles are indicative of a respiratory infection, which, in this case, is most likely VAP. VAP typically presents with signs of infection such as elevated temperature, purulent sputum, and new infiltrates on a chest x-ray, in addition to lung crackles.
B) Pulmonary embolism (PE):
Although pulmonary embolism (PE) can cause symptoms like tachypnea, chest pain, and dyspnea, it does not typically cause a fever, green sputum, or localized crackles in the lungs. PE is usually characterized by sudden onset of respiratory distress, often accompanied by hemoptysis or chest pain, and would not typically present with the localized findings in the lower lobe (e.g., crackles).
C) Stress ulcer:
Stress ulcers can occur in critically ill patients, especially those on mechanical ventilation, due to the stress response and reduced blood flow to the stomach. However, stress ulcers typically cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as melena (black, tarry stools) or hematemesis (vomiting blood).
D) Pneumothorax:
A pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space, causing a collapse of the lung. It can lead to symptoms such as sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and diminished breath sounds on one side of the chest. However, it would not typically cause fever, green sputum, or localized crackles.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Encourage the client to ambulate and perform deep breathing exercises:
While ambulation and deep breathing exercises are important for post-operative recovery, they are not the priority intervention in this scenario. The client is presenting with abdominal distension and pain, which could indicate a potential complication such as bowel obstruction, ileus, or internal bleeding. These symptoms need to be thoroughly evaluated by the healthcare provider to rule out serious complications.
B) Notify the healthcare provider and prepare the client for further testing:
The combination of abdominal pain and distension in a client who is four days post-operative for an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is concerning for potential complications such as bowel ischemia, internal bleeding, or post-operative ileus. It is essential to notify the healthcare provider immediately for further assessment and possible diagnostic tests, such as imaging or a physical exam to evaluate for signs of ischemia or obstruction
C) Document the client's symptoms and continue to monitor:
Although documenting and monitoring the client's symptoms is important in nursing care, it is not the most appropriate immediate response. Given the symptoms, including pain and abdominal distension, there is a potential for a serious complication, and simply continuing to monitor without notifying the healthcare provider could delay diagnosis and treatment.
D) Administer pain medication and explain this is normal:
While it is important to manage the client's pain, explaining that the symptoms are "normal" could lead to a delay in identifying a potentially serious issue. Abdominal distension and pain post-operatively in a patient who has undergone abdominal surgery should never be assumed to be a normal part of recovery without further investigation.
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