Which warning signs are associated with a myocardial infarction? Select all that apply.
Cramping and diarrhea
Sudden dyspnea
Anxiety and fear
Excessive sweating
Chest pressure
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
A. Cramping and diarrhea: Cramping and diarrhea are gastrointestinal symptoms and are not typical warning signs of a myocardial infarction. While some cardiac events can cause nausea, generalized GI cramping and diarrhea are not reliable indicators of cardiac ischemia.
B. Sudden dyspnea: Sudden shortness of breath can occur during a myocardial infarction due to left ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary congestion, or reduced oxygen delivery. Dyspnea may be an early or primary symptom, especially in women, older adults, or those with diabetes.
C. Anxiety and fear: Anxiety, restlessness, or a sense of impending doom is a common neuropsychological response to myocardial ischemia. It results from sympathetic nervous system activation in response to cardiac stress and inadequate perfusion.
D. Excessive sweating: Diaphoresis is a classic autonomic response to myocardial infarction, caused by sympathetic activation. It is often cold and clammy, reflecting the body’s stress response and perfusion compromise.
E. Chest pressure: Chest discomfort, pressure, tightness, or pain is the hallmark symptom of myocardial infarction. It typically occurs in the substernal region and may radiate to the arm, jaw, neck, or back, indicating myocardial ischemia and injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Anaphylactic reaction:Anaphylaxis triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which increase capillary permeability. This allows fluid and plasma proteins to move from the intravascular space into the interstitial tissues, resulting in generalized edema, swelling, and potentially life-threatening hypotension.
B. Lymph node obstruction:Lymphatic obstruction leads to lymphedema due to impaired drainage of interstitial fluid. While it causes localized swelling, it is not primarily due to increased capillary permeability but rather mechanical blockage of lymph flow.
C. Heart failure:Edema in heart failure results from elevated hydrostatic pressure in the venous system, causing fluid to leak into the interstitial space. The mechanism is pressure-driven rather than an increase in capillary permeability.
D. Hyponatremia:Hyponatremia causes water to shift into cells due to osmotic imbalance, potentially leading to cellular swelling. It does not directly increase capillary permeability or cause extracellular edema in the same mechanism seen in inflammatory reactions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis:The ABG shows a low pH (acidemia) with an elevated PaCO2, indicating that CO2 retention is causing the acidic state. The bicarbonate is slightly elevated, suggesting early renal compensation. This pattern is characteristic of respiratory acidosis, often caused by hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange.
B. Metabolic alkalosis:Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by elevated pH and elevated HCO3. In this ABG, the pH is low, and HCO3 is only mildly elevated, so this does not fit metabolic alkalosis.
C. Respiratory alkalosis:Respiratory alkalosis presents with a high pH and low PaCO2 due to excessive CO2 exhalation, such as with hyperventilation. The ABG values here show the opposite pattern.
D. Metabolic acidosis:Metabolic acidosis involves low pH with low HCO3, often due to acid accumulation or bicarbonate loss. In this ABG, HCO3 is normal to slightly elevated, making metabolic acidosis unlikely.
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