What does the term “Systole” refer to in cardiology?

Choice A rationale:

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that is essential for preventing blood clots from forming within coronary artery stents. It works by inhibiting the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its receptors on platelets, thereby reducing platelet aggregation. This is crucial following stent placement because the stent itself can act as a trigger for platelet activation and clotting. By suppressing platelet function, clopidogrel helps to maintain blood flow through the stented artery and reduces the risk of stent thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening complication.

Here's a detailed explanation of why the other choices are incorrect:

Choice B: Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is primarily used to treat pain and inflammation.

It does not have significant antiplatelet effects and is not typically used for the prevention of stent thrombosis.

While it might be prescribed for pain management after stent placement, it would not be the primary medication expected on the daily medication administration record for this purpose.

Choice C: Dipyridamole

Dipyridamole is an antiplatelet medication, but it is not as potent as clopidogrel and is not considered the first-line agent for preventing stent thrombosis.

It might be used in combination with clopidogrel in certain cases, but it would not be the sole antiplatelet medication expected on the daily medication administration record.

Choice D: Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.

It does not have any antiplatelet effects and would not be used to prevent stent thrombosis.

It might be prescribed for pain or fever after stent placement, but it would not be the primary medication expected on the daily medication administration record for this purpose.

Choice A rationale:

Increased afterload refers to the resistance against which the heart must pump to eject blood into the aorta.

While increased afterload can contribute to angina by increasing the heart's workload, it is not the primary cause of the pain.

Increased afterload is more commonly associated with heart failure, hypertension, and aortic stenosis.

Choice C rationale:

The coronary artery system is the network of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.

While coronary artery disease (CAD), a narrowing or blockage of these arteries, is the underlying cause of angina, it is not the direct cause of the pain.

The pain of angina is caused by the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen, which can occur even if the coronary arteries are not completely blocked.

Choice D rationale:

Increased preload refers to the volume of blood that fills the ventricles before they contract.

While increased preload can also contribute to angina by increasing the heart's workload, it is not the primary cause of the pain.

Increased preload is more commonly associated with heart failure, valvular regurgitation, and fluid overload.

Choice B rationale:

Inadequate myocardial oxygenation is the most direct and accurate explanation for the pain of angina.

When the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen, it experiences ischemia, which is a lack of blood flow and oxygen.

Ischemia triggers the release of chemicals that stimulate pain receptors in the heart, leading to the characteristic chest pain of angina.