A 51-year-old male has come to the health clinic for his annual physical exam. After exerting himself by walking from his car to the clinic, he experienced substernal pain, discomfort in his left shoulder, and his jaw.
These symptoms lasted for 2-3 minutes and then subsided with rest.
He mentions that this has been a frequent occurrence over the past few months with similar levels of exertion.
What is the nurse likely to suspect he is experiencing?
Stable angina.
Prinzmetal angina.
Myocardial infarction (MI).
Unstable angina.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Stable angina typically occurs with exertion and goes away with rest. The symptoms described, including substernal pain, discomfort in the left shoulder and jaw, which subside with rest, are characteristic of stable angina.
Choice B rationale
Prinzmetal angina, also known as variant angina, is a type of angina (chest pain) caused by spasms in the coronary arteries. These spasms occur most often in coronary arteries that have not become hardened due to plaque buildup. However, they can also occur in hardened arteries. The symptoms can be similar to those of stable angina, but the typical triggers for the episodes are different.
Choice C rationale
A myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, occurs when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked, often by a blood clot, causing part of the heart muscle to be damaged or die. The symptoms are usually more severe than what is described and do not typically subside with rest.
Choice D rationale
Unstable angina is a condition in which the angina symptoms become more severe, occur more frequently, or occur at rest. This is a medical emergency as it can often lead to a heart attack.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic medication used to treat hypertension and edema. One of the side effects of furosemide is hypokalemia, or low potassium levels. A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is lower than the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L), which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Therefore, this observation is crucial to communicate to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Smoking cigarettes can exacerbate the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease by causing further constriction of the blood vessels. Therefore, a patient who continues to smoke cigarettes may need further education about the management of Raynaud’s disease.
Choice B rationale
Eating bananas twice a day is not typically a concern for patients with Raynaud’s disease.
Choice C rationale
Wearing mittens outside, especially in cold weather, is a recommended strategy for managing Raynaud’s disease. It can help to prevent episodes of Raynaud’s by keeping the hands warm and reducing exposure to cold temperatures.
Choice D rationale
Taking calcium channel blockers is a common treatment for Raynaud’s disease. These medications help to relax and open up the small blood vessels in the hands and feet, reducing the severity and frequency of Raynaud’s episodes.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.