Which classic sign of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can be absent in an older man with an AMI?
Crushing chest pain
Epigastric burning
Dyspnea and fatigue
Vague complaints
None of the above
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Crushing chest pain is the classic sign of an AMI, but it can be absent in some older men with an AMI. This is because older men may have a reduced pain perception due to aging, diabetes, or other conditions that affect the nerve endings. Older men may also have atypical or silent AMIs, which do not cause chest pain or other obvious symptoms.
Choice B reason: Epigastric burning is not a classic sign of an AMI, but it can be a symptom of an AMI in some older men. Epigastric burning may be mistaken for indigestion, heartburn, or gastritis, but it can also indicate ischemia or injury to the lower part of the heart.
Choice C reason: Dyspnea and fatigue are not classic signs of an AMI, but they can be symptoms of an AMI in some older men. Dyspnea and fatigue may be attributed to aging, deconditioning, or other chronic diseases, but they can also indicate reduced oxygen supply to the heart and the body.
Choice D reason: Vague complaints are not classic signs of an AMI, but they can be symptoms of an AMI in some older men. Vague complaints may include anxiety, restlessness, nausea, dizziness, or weakness, which may be overlooked or dismissed as minor ailments, but they can also indicate a serious cardiac event.
Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the classic sign of an AMI that can be absent in an older man with an AMI.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A detached retina is a serious condition that occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, separates from its underlying support tissue. It can cause vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly. However, it does not usually cause intense headaches or bloodshot eyes, but rather flashes of light, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow over the visual field.
Choice B reason: Macular degeneration is a common eye disorder that affects the macula, the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp and detailed vision. It can cause blurred or distorted vision, especially in the center of the visual field. However, it does not usually cause intense headaches or bloodshot eyes, but rather difficulty reading, recognizing faces, or seeing colors.
Choice C reason: Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that can impair vision. They are usually related to aging, but can also be caused by other factors such as diabetes, trauma, or radiation. They can cause blurred or dim vision, sensitivity to light, or halos around lights. However, they do not usually cause intense headaches or bloodshot eyes, but rather gradual and painless vision loss.
Choice D reason: Angle-closure glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, causing a sudden increase in the pressure inside the eye. It can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss if not treated immediately. It can cause intense headaches, bloodshot eyes, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, or seeing rainbow-colored rings around lights. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: This assessment is reliable in the older adult because the skin turgor at the sternum is less affected by age-related changes in skin elasticity and hydration than other sites, such as the forearm or the hand. The skin turgor at the sternum can indicate the fluid status of the older adult, as well as the presence of dehydration or edema.
Choice B reason: This assessment is reliable in the older adult because orthostasis, or a drop in blood pressure when changing positions, is a common condition in this population. Orthostasis can be caused by various factors, such as medications, dehydration, anemia, or autonomic dysfunction. Orthostasis can increase the risk of falls, dizziness, syncope, or cardiovascular complications in the older adult.
Choice C reason: This assessment is not reliable in the older adult because sunken eyes are not a specific sign of dehydration in this population. Sunken eyes can be a normal age-related change in the facial structure, or a result of other factors, such as weight loss, malnutrition, or chronic illness. Sunken eyes can also be influenced by the lighting, the angle of observation, or the presence of glasses or contact lenses.
Choice D reason: This assessment is not reliable in the older adult because decreased urine output is not a sensitive indicator of dehydration in this population. Decreased urine output can be influenced by various factors, such as renal function, fluid intake, medications, or environmental conditions. Decreased urine output can also be a sign of other conditions, such as urinary tract infection, urinary retention, or renal failure.
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