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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because 120/80 mm Hg is a normal blood pressure, not a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, as it can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, having a normal blood pressure does not rule out the possibility of having diabetes mellitus, as other factors, such as blood sugar level, family history, or lifestyle, can also influence the risk.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because total cholesterol 198 mg/dL is a borderline high cholesterol level, not a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, as it can affect the metabolism of fats and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. However, having a borderline high cholesterol level does not confirm the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, as other factors, such as blood sugar level, family history, or lifestyle, can also influence the risk.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because palpable peripheral pulses are a normal finding, not a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. Peripheral pulses are the pulsations of the arteries that can be felt in the extremities, such as the wrists or ankles. Palpable peripheral pulses indicate that the blood flow to the extremities is adequate and not compromised by diabetes mellitus. However, having palpable peripheral pulses does not rule out the possibility of having diabetes mellitus, as other factors, such as blood sugar level, family history, or lifestyle, can also influence the risk.
Choice D reason: This is correct because 68 years of age is a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus. Age is one of the non-modifiable risk factors for diabetes mellitus, as the risk increases with advancing age. This is because aging can affect the insulin production and sensitivity, as well as the body composition and function. Older adults are more likely to have diabetes mellitus than younger adults, especially if they have other risk factors, such as obesity, family history, or sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, 68 years of age is a high risk factor for diabetes mellitus.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because baroreceptor function diminishes with age, and this can affect the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. Baroreceptors are sensory receptors that detect changes in blood pressure and send signals to the brain to adjust the heart rate and blood vessel tone accordingly. When a person exercises, the blood pressure and heart rate increase to meet the increased oxygen demand of the muscles. When a person stops exercising, the blood pressure and heart rate should decrease gradually to return to the resting state. However, if a person does not cool down properly after exercising, the blood pressure and heart rate can drop suddenly, causing dizziness, fainting, or cardiac arrhythmias. This is especially true for older adults, whose baroreceptors are less sensitive and responsive to blood pressure changes. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the older man to cool down after exercising to prevent these complications.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because sensory perception diminishes with age, but this is not related to the importance of cooling down after exercising. Sensory perception is the ability to perceive stimuli from the environment, such as sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste. Sensory perception can decline with age due to various factors, such as age-related changes in the sensory organs, nerve damage, or diseases. This can affect the quality of life, communication, and safety of older adults, but it does not explain why cooling down after exercising is important.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because cardiac output diminishes with age, but this is not related to the importance of cooling down after exercising. Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, and it depends on the heart rate and the stroke volume. Cardiac output can decline with age due to various factors, such as age-related changes in the heart muscle, valves, or arteries, or diseases. This can affect the ability of the heart to meet the oxygen demand of the body, especially during exercise, but it does not explain why cooling down after exercising is important.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because mobility capacity decreases with age, but this is not related to the importance of cooling down after exercising. Mobility capacity is the ability to move and perform physical activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects. Mobility capacity can decrease with age due to various factors, such as age-related changes in the muscles, bones, or joints, or diseases. This can affect the functional status, independence, and well-being of older adults, but it does not explain why cooling down after exercising is important.
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