When assessing a male patient in the telemetry unit who is experiencing persistent, crushing chest pain, which symptoms would lead the nurse to suspect a myocardial infarction?

Intermittent claudication and pallor.

Jugular vein distention and dependent edema.

Mid-epigastric pain and heartburn.

Sweating and cool, clammy skin.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Intermittent claudication and pallor are not typically symptoms of a myocardial infarction. Intermittent claudication, or pain in the legs with exercise, is more commonly associated with peripheral artery disease. Pallor, or paleness, can occur with various conditions but is not a specific sign of myocardial infarction3.
Choice B rationale
Jugular vein distention and dependent edema are not typically symptoms of a myocardial infarction. These signs are more commonly associated with heart failure3.
Choice C rationale
Mid-epigastric pain and heartburn can sometimes be symptoms of a myocardial infarction, particularly in women. However, these symptoms can also occur with many other conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders3.
Choice D rationale
Sweating and cool, clammy skin are common symptoms of a myocardial infarction. These symptoms occur due to the body’s stress response to the decreased blood flow to the heart muscle3.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Homocysteine is an amino acid that your body uses to make protein and to build and maintain tissue. But too much homocysteine in your blood might increase your risk of heart disease.
However, it is not the most specific marker for AMI.
Choice B rationale
C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver and its level rises when there is inflammation in your body. While its level can increase in those with a heart attack, it is not the most specific marker for AMI6.
Choice C rationale
Myoglobin is a small protein that stores oxygen. It is measured occasionally. Myoglobin is sometimes measured in addition to troponin to help diagnose a heart attack. However, it is not as specific as cardiac-specific troponin.
Choice D rationale
Cardiac-specific troponin is a cardio-specific, highly sensitive marker for myocardial damage. The absolute cardiospecificity of cTnI allows the diagnosis of myocardial infarction distinct from muscle lesions and non-cardiac surgery.

A. Trendelenburg position. B. Sims’ position. C. Semi-Fowler’s position. D. Fowler’s position with legs lowered.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The symptoms described - tachycardia, severe dyspnea, diaphoresis, crackles, and profuse, frothy pink sputum - are indicative of acute pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs due to heart failure. In this situation, the Fowler’s position (sitting up at a 45-60 degree angle) with legs lowered is recommended. This position helps to reduce venous return to the heart, thereby decreasing the workload on the heart and helping to alleviate symptoms.

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When assessing a male patient in the telemetry unit who is experiencing persistent, crushing chest pain, which symptoms would lead the nurse to suspect a myocardial infarction?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient who has been experiencing chest pain for several hours is admitted with a diagnosis of rule out acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Which laboratory test is most specific for the nurse to monitor in determining whether the patient has had an AMI?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client exhibits tachycardia, severe dyspnea, diaphoresis, crackles, and profuse, frothy pink sputum. What position should the nurse place the client in?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

As a nurse preparing for the admission of a child diagnosed with acute-stage Kawasaki disease, what clinical manifestation of the acute stage of the disease should be anticipated during the assessment?

A nurse performs Homans maneuver by flexing the knee and sharply dorsiflexing the foot. What response indicates a positive Homans sign?

An obese post-surgical patient reports sudden discomfort in her leg. Upon assessment, the nurse finds the leg to be cold and pale, with no pedal or popliteal pulse. What should the nurse suspect?

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