A client with a history of angina is being admitted to the emergency department with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following findings will help the nurse distinguish stable angina from an MI?
MI only occurs with exertion.
Stable angina can occur for longer than 30 minutes.
Stable angina can be relieved with rest and nitroglycerin.
The pain of an MI lasts less than 15 minutes.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Myocardial infarction (MI) is not limited to occurrences with exertion. While stable angina typically occurs during physical activity or emotional stress, MI can happen at any time, even at rest. The underlying cause of an MI is the complete blockage of blood supply to a part of the heart muscle, usually due to a blood clot in a coronary artery. This blockage can lead to the death of heart muscle tissue, a condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B reason: Stable angina does not typically last for more than 30 minutes. It is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs predictably with exertion or emotional stress and is relieved within minutes by rest or nitroglycerin. In contrast, the pain from an MI is more prolonged and severe, and it is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. If chest discomfort lasts longer than 15 minutes and is not alleviated by rest or nitroglycerin, it is a warning sign that the individual may be experiencing an MI.
Choice C reason: This is the distinguishing feature between stable angina and an MI. Stable angina is usually relieved within 3-5 minutes by rest or nitroglycerin, which helps to dilate the coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is ineffective in relieving the symptoms of an MI because the problem is not just reduced blood flow but a complete blockage that nitroglycerin cannot overcome.
Choice D reason: The pain associated with an MI typically lasts for more than 15 minutes and can be quite severe. Unlike stable angina, the pain of an MI is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The duration and severity of the pain, along with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness, help differentiate an MI from stable angina.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Nausea and faintness Nausea and faintness can be symptoms of hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemic shock occurs when the body loses a significant amount of blood or fluids, leading to a decrease in blood pressure and inadequate oxygen supply to the organs. This can cause various symptoms, including nausea and faintness, as the body struggles to maintain normal function.
Choice B reason: Neurologic deficits and apprehension Neurologic deficits and apprehension can also be symptoms of hypovolemic shock. Neurologic deficits refer to abnormal neurologic function of a body area due to injury of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, or nerves. Apprehension, or anxiety, can occur as the body responds to the stress of significant blood or fluid loss.
Choice C reason: Hypertension and tachypnea Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically a symptom of hypovolemic shock. In fact, hypovolemic shock is usually characterized by hypotension, or low blood pressure, due to the loss of blood or fluids. Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, can be a symptom of hypovolemic shock, but it would not typically be accompanied by hypertension in this context.
Choice D reason: Diaphoresis and oliguria Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) and oliguria (reduced urine production) can be symptoms of hypovolemic shock. Diaphoresis can occur as the body attempts to cool itself in response to the stress of significant blood or fluid loss. Oliguria can occur as the kidneys receive less blood flow due to the decrease in blood volume, leading to decreased urine production.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asterixis, also known as "liver flap," is a tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended, often seen in hepatic encephalopathy as a result of altered brain function.
Choice B reason: A change in orientation, including confusion and altered consciousness, is a hallmark of hepatic encephalopathy, reflecting the brain's impaired ability to process information.
Choice C reason: Anorexia may be present in cirrhosis, but it is not a specific indicator of hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice D reason: Ascites is a common complication of cirrhosis due to portal hypertension but is not a direct indicator of hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice E reason: Fetor hepaticus, a musty odor of the breath, is a distinctive symptom of hepatic encephalopathy caused by the presence of mercaptans in the breath as the liver fails to break down sulfur-containing amino acids.
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