Why is acute pain particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack?

Release of prostaglandins lowers the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure.

Release of substance P narrows the airways and leads to hypoxemia.

Release of endorphins causes dangerous elevation of blood pressure.

Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system will increase cardiac workload.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because release of prostaglandins lowers the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure is not a reason why acute pain is particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack. Prostaglandins are inflammatory mediators that are involved in pain perception and modulation, but they do not have a direct effect on the heart rate and blood pressure. In fact, some prostaglandins may have a protective role in the cardiovascular system by preventing platelet aggregation and vasodilation.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because release of substance P narrows the airways and leads to hypoxemia is not a reason why acute pain is particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack. Substance P is a neuropeptide that is involved in pain transmission and modulation, but it does not have a significant effect on the airways or the oxygen level. Substance P may cause bronchoconstriction in some patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but this is not a common or serious complication of acute pain.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because release of endorphins causes dangerous elevation of blood pressure is not a reason why acute pain is particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack. Endorphins are endogenous opioids that are involved in pain inhibition and modulation, but they do not have a major effect on the blood pressure. Endorphins may cause a slight increase in blood pressure by activating the opioid receptors in the brainstem, but this is not a significant or harmful response to acute pain.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system will increase cardiac workload is a reason why acute pain is particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack. The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, which is triggered by acute pain. The sympathetic nervous system will increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac contractility, which will increase the oxygen demand and consumption of the heart. This will worsen the ischemia and injury of the myocardium, and may lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or cardiac arrest.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is correct. Taking metoprolol to treat hypertension can put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication that can lower the blood pressure and heart rate. It can also reduce the blood flow to the eyes and cause dry eyes, blurred vision, or eye irritation.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Taking docusate sodium for constipation does not put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems. Docusate sodium is a stool softener medication that can ease the passage of hard stools. It does not have any direct effect on the eyes or vision.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Taking acetaminophen for osteoarthritis pain does not put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever medication that can reduce inflammation and fever. It does not have any significant impact on the eyes or vision.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Taking insulin glulisine for type 1 diabetes can put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems. Insulin glulisine is a fast-acting insulin medication that can lower the blood sugar level. It can also cause fluctuations in the fluid balance and pressure in the eyes, leading to blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.

Choice E reason: This is correct. Taking prednisone for multiple sclerosis can put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. It can also increase the intraocular pressure and cause cataracts, glaucoma, or optic nerve damage.

A. "Did someone come to the hospital with you?" B. "When did your chest pain begin?" C. "Did your family doctor tell you to come to the hospital?" D. "Do you have a family history of heart disease?"

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is not the most important question for the nurse to ask the patient who has just arrived at the hospital with chest pain because it is not relevant, open-ended, or comprehensive. The nurse should not ask questions that are not related to the patient's health status, needs, or goals, but rather focus on the patient's chief complaint, history of present illness, and past medical history.

Choice B reason: This is the most important question for the nurse to ask the patient who has just arrived at the hospital with chest pain because it is relevant, open-ended, and comprehensive. The nurse should ask questions that are related to the patient's health status, needs, or goals, and that elicit more information from the patient. This question allows the patient to describe the onset, duration, and frequency of their chest pain, which can help the nurse to assess the possible cause and severity of the problem.

Choice C reason: This is not the most important question for the nurse to ask the patient who has just arrived at the hospital with chest pain because it is not relevant, open-ended, or comprehensive. The nurse should not ask questions that are not related to the patient's health status, needs, or goals, but rather focus on the patient's chief complaint, history of present illness, and past medical history.

Choice D reason: This is not the most important question for the nurse to ask the patient who has just arrived at the hospital with chest pain because it is not relevant, open-ended, or comprehensive. The nurse should not ask questions that are not related to the patient's health status, needs, or goals, but rather focus on the patient's chief complaint, history of present illness, and past medical history.

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Why is acute pain particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which assessment findings put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

Which is the most important question for the nurse to ask the patient who has just arrived at the hospital with chest pain?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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