An emergency department nurse is assessing an adult woman for a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). When planning the assessment, the nurse should be aware that female patients may have which of the following symptoms for an MI? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Shortness of breath
Anxiety
Unusual fatigue
Back pain
Chest pain
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
A. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can be a symptom of a myocardial infarction in both men and women.
B. Anxiety
Anxiety can be a symptom in some cases, as individuals may feel a sense of impending doom or anxiety during an MI.
C. Unusual fatigue
Unusual fatigue, especially if it is severe or occurs with exertion, can be a symptom of a myocardial infarction.
D. Back pain
Back pain, particularly between the shoulder blades, can be a symptom of a myocardial infarction in women.
E. Chest pain
Chest pain or discomfort is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction. While women may experience chest pain, they are also more likely than men to have atypical symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Normal sinus rhythm that becomes sinus tachycardia
Sinus tachycardia can be an indication of increased sympathetic activity in response to decreased cardiac output. It may suggest the heart's compensatory response to maintain adequate perfusion.
B. Onset of a cough with pink, frothy sputum
Pink, frothy sputum is a classic sign of pulmonary edema, which can occur in the setting of worsening heart failure. It indicates the presence of blood-tinged fluid in the alveoli.
C. Presence of dyspnea at rest
Dyspnea at rest suggests that the client is experiencing difficulty breathing even without physical exertion. This can be indicative of more severe heart failure.
D. Falls asleep when not disturbed
Falling asleep when not disturbed may indicate fatigue or exhaustion, which is common in individuals with heart failure. However, it is not a direct indicator of worsening heart failure and can be influenced by various factors.
E. Urine drainage is increased in amount
Increased urine output can be a sign of diuretic therapy or an attempt by the body to compensate for fluid overload. However, it is essential to consider other factors such as renal function and medication effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. International normalized ratio (INR):
INR is a test used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy, particularly drugs like warfarin. It measures the time it takes for blood to clot. It's not directly related to assessing heart failure but is more associated with monitoring anticoagulation status.
B. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP):
BNP is a peptide released by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume in the heart, often seen in heart failure. Elevated BNP levels can indicate the presence of heart failure. It's a useful diagnostic marker for heart failure.
C. Troponin:
Troponin is a protein released into the blood when there is damage to the heart muscle, usually during a heart attack. It is not specific to heart failure but is commonly used to diagnose myocardial infarction (heart attack).
D. Creatinine:
Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles. While elevated creatinine levels can be seen in conditions affecting kidney function, it's not a direct marker for assessing heart failure. However, kidney function is often evaluated in conjunction with heart failure assessments.
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