An older male reports to the clinic nurse that he sometimes feels chest pressure and becomes breathless. He further describes an event where he had to sit for about one hour before he felt better. He is asymptomatic at rest, but is concerned that he has had a heart attack. This clinical picture is consistent with which cardiac ischemic event?

Myocardial infarction.

Unstable angina.

Stable angina.

Prinz metal angina.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Myocardial infarction:

Myocardial infarction (MI) typically presents with severe and prolonged chest pain or discomfort that is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. MI is characterized by myocardial necrosis due to prolonged ischemia, often resulting from the occlusion of a coronary artery by a thrombus or plaque rupture. While chest pressure and breathlessness are symptoms commonly associated with MI, the transient nature of the symptoms described by the client, as well as their relief after rest, is more indicative of stable angina rather than MI.

B. Unstable angina:

Unstable angina is characterized by new-onset angina, increasing frequency, or worsening intensity of angina symptoms. It is considered a medical emergency as it may precede a myocardial infarction. However, unstable angina typically presents with symptoms at rest or with minimal exertion and is not usually relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The client's symptoms, which are relieved by rest, are more consistent with stable angina.

C. Stable angina:

Stable angina is characterized by predictable chest pain or discomfort that occurs with exertion or stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The symptoms described by the client, including chest pressure and breathlessness that improve with rest, are consistent with stable angina. Stable angina occurs due to transient myocardial ischemia caused by an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, often related to coronary artery disease.

D. Prinzmetal angina:

Prinzmetal angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs at rest, often in the early morning hours, and is typically caused by coronary artery spasm rather than fixed atherosclerotic lesions. While Prinzmetal angina can present with transient symptoms similar to those described by the client, it is less common than stable angina and is often associated with transient ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG), which is not mentioned in the scenario.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Sensory neuropathy:

Sensory neuropathy, while common in diabetes mellitus, primarily affects sensation in the extremities and can lead to reduced pain perception and protective sensation. While sensory neuropathy can contribute to the development of foot ulcers by reducing the ability to detect trauma or pressure, it is not the primary factor influencing the ability of the ulcer to heal.

B) Hyperlipidemia:

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood, is a common comorbidity in diabetes mellitus. It can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and macrovascular complications such as coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease. While macrovascular disease can impair wound healing by reducing blood flow to the affected area, it is not the primary contributing factor to the ability of the ulcer to heal.

C) Ketoacidosis:

Ketoacidosis, a serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, results from the accumulation of ketones in the blood, leading to metabolic acidosis. While ketoacidosis can have systemic effects and impair overall health, it is not directly related to the ability of a foot ulcer to heal.

D) Microvascular changes:

Correct. Microvascular changes, such as thickening of the capillary basement membrane and endothelial dysfunction, are hallmark features of diabetes mellitus. These changes lead to impaired microcirculation, reduced oxygen delivery, and compromised nutrient supply to tissues, including the skin and soft tissues of the foot. Poor microvascular perfusion contributes to delayed wound healing and an increased risk of infection in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Addressing microvascular changes is essential for promoting wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers, making it the primary contributing factor to the ability of the ulcer to heal.

A. Elevation in blood pressure. B. Vasospasm at insertion site. C. Clot in the arterial catheter. D. Air lock in the transducer.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Elevation in blood pressure:

While elevation in blood pressure could potentially cause discomfort at the arterial line insertion site, it is not the most likely physiological effect to induce sudden pain in this scenario. Blood pressure elevation would typically cause generalized symptoms rather than localized pain at the insertion site.

B) Vasospasm at insertion site:

Correct. Vasospasm refers to the sudden constriction of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow. It can occur in response to arterial puncture or manipulation during arterial line insertion, resulting in sudden pain at the insertion site.

C) Clot in the arterial catheter:

A clot in the arterial catheter could potentially cause obstruction and affect blood flow, but it is less likely to induce sudden pain at the insertion site unless there is associated ischemia or tissue damage.

D) Air lock in the transducer:

An air lock in the transducer could disrupt pressure monitoring but is not typically associated with sudden pain at the insertion site. It may lead to inaccurate pressure readings rather than localized pain.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with diabetes mellitus develops an ulcer on the bottom of the foot. Which pathology is the primary contributing factor to the ability of the ulcer to heal?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

After the nurse obtains a blood sample from a client's right radial arterial client reports a sudden onset of pain at the arterial line insertion site. The nurse recognizes which physiological effect may be inducing the sudden pain?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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