The patient is admitted with a suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In assessing the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, which findings would indicate to the nurse that the patient is in the process of a myocardial infarction (MI)?
Depressed ST-segment on ECG and elevated total CPK
Depressed ST-segment on ECG and normal cardiac enzymes
ST-segment elevation on ECG and elevated CK-MB or troponin levels
Q wave on ECG with normal enzymes and troponin levels
The Correct Answer is C
A. A depressed ST-segment is often associated with ischemia or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), not an ongoing MI.
B. A depressed ST-segment with normal cardiac enzymes suggests ischemia rather than an active MI.
C. ST-segment elevation on ECG combined with elevated cardiac biomarkers such as CK-MB or troponin levels is a hallmark of an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), indicating an ongoing MI.
D. A Q wave on ECG indicates an old infarction and is not associated with an acute MI if enzymes and troponin levels are normal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Thrombolytic therapy is the priority in managing an ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) when percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not available. It helps dissolve the blood clot causing the blockage in the coronary artery.
B. Maintaining oxygen saturation is important, but the priority is to restore coronary blood flow.
C. The focus should be on stabilizing the heart rhythm, not specifically maintaining a high heart rate.
D. Diuretics are important in managing heart failure but are not the priority in acute STEMI management.
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Administer furosemide IV: Furosemide is a diuretic used to manage fluid overload, which is not the primary concern in this scenario. The client presents with chest pain suggestive of a cardiac event, so other interventions should take priority.
Prepare the client for intubation: Intubation is not indicated at this stage as the patient is conscious, has a respiratory rate of 18/min, and there is no immediate indication of airway compromise. Oxygen therapy is more appropriate.
Obtain the client’s full family history: While obtaining a full family history is important for a comprehensive assessment, it is not a high priority in the acute management of this client who presents with symptoms suggestive of a myocardial infarction (MI).
Administer O2 to maintain oxygen saturation greater than 90%: The client’s oxygen saturation is 88%, which is below the desired level. Administering oxygen to maintain saturation greater than 90% is a high-priority intervention to improve oxygenation.
Apply continuous ECG monitoring: Continuous ECG monitoring is essential in this scenario to monitor for arrhythmias and assess for ongoing ischemia, given the client’s chest pain, irregular pulse, and the high likelihood of an acute coronary syndrome.
Obtain vascular access: Establishing vascular access is a high priority to ensure the ability to administer medications, fluids, and for potential blood draws, especially in an emergency setting where rapid intervention may be necessary.
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