Which of the following clinical manifestations would make the nurse suspect the client is experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI)?
A. Nausea and vomiting.
Radiating pain to the left arm.
Shortness of breath.
Headache.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice B rationale
Radiating pain to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction (MI). This pain occurs due to the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen, often because of a blockage in one or more coronary arteries. The pain can radiate to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back, and is a key indicator for diagnosing an MI.
Choice A rationale
Nausea and vomiting can occur during an MI but are not the most distinctive symptoms for diagnosis. They can also be associated with other conditions, making them less specific indicators of MI.
Choice C rationale
Shortness of breath is a common symptom during an MI, resulting from reduced oxygen supply to the heart. However, while it is an important clinical manifestation, it can also be associated with other cardiac or respiratory conditions.
Choice D rationale
Headache is not a typical symptom of an MI. It is less commonly associated with heart attacks and can be caused by a wide range of other factors, making it an unreliable symptom for diagnosing MI.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lying down after meals can increase the risk of acid reflux in individuals with a hiatal hernia. Patients are often advised to remain upright after eating to minimize symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the head of the bed helps prevent gastric contents from refluxing into the esophagus, reducing symptoms of hiatal hernia and promoting better sleep.
Choice C rationale
Reducing caffeine and spicy foods can help manage symptoms, as these substances can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate reflux in hiatal hernia patients.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining a healthy weight is important because excess weight can increase abdominal pressure and contribute to the worsening of hiatal hernia symptoms.
Choice E rationale
Drinking less fluid is not typically a recommendation for hiatal hernia. Adequate hydration is important for overall health, and reducing fluid intake may not have a significant impact on symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Administering another nitroglycerin tablet is appropriate if the client's chest pain has not been fully relieved after the initial dose. Nitroglycerin helps to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and relieving angina. A second dose can be given if the pain persists, following the protocol for managing chest pain.
Choice A rationale
Obtaining an ECG is important for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac conditions; however, in this immediate context, further pain relief takes precedence. After ensuring pain relief, an ECG can be performed to assess the client's cardiac status.
Choice B rationale
Calling the Rapid Response Team is unnecessary if the client’s chest pain severity has already decreased. The priority should be to continue managing the chest pain with additional nitroglycerin if needed and monitoring the client's response.
Choice D rationale
Initiating a peripheral IV might be required for administering medications or fluids, but it is not the immediate action needed in this scenario. The priority is to provide additional pain relief with nitroglycerin.
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