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
Rationale:
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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common early sign of heart failure exacerbation. Prompt reporting allows for early intervention.
B. Nitroglycerin is used to treat chest pain, not specifically to prevent heart failure exacerbations.
C. Assessment of the apical pulse is important, but monitoring weight is more directly related to managing heart failure.
D. Compliance with diuretic therapy is important, but recognizing early signs of fluid retention, such as rapid weight gain, is crucial for preventing exacerbations.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Epinephrine is an important drug in resuscitation but is administered after defibrillation in the algorithm.
B. Defibrillation is the priority intervention for ventricular fibrillation, as it is the only treatment that can convert the heart rhythm back to a viable one.
C. Airway management is crucial, but in the context of ventricular fibrillation, defibrillation takes precedence to restore a life-sustaining rhythm.
D. Amiodarone is used in the treatment of refractory ventricular fibrillation, but it is not the immediate priority over defibrillation.