AMI Flashcards
(28 cards)
What does AMI stand for?
Acute Myocardial Infarction
AMI is commonly referred to as a heart attack.
What occurs during an AMI?
A portion of the cardiac muscle is deprived of coronary blood flow long enough for portions of the muscle to undergo necrosis or infarct.
Which part of the heart is most commonly involved in infarcts?
The left ventricle.
What is the usual cause of infarcts in the anterior, lateral, or septal wall of the left ventricle?
Occlusion of the left coronary artery or one of its branches.
Inferior wall infarcts are usually the result of occlusion of which artery?
Right coronary artery (RCA).
What is a subendocardial myocardial infarction?
An infarct that affects only the inner layer of muscle.
What characterizes a transmural myocardial infarction?
The infarct extends through the entire wall of the ventricle.
What happens the longer a segment of myocardium remains ischemic?
The less likelihood of salvaging the tissue and restoring its normal function.
What type of ECG evidence do patients with STEMI show?
ST-segment elevation.
True or False: NSTEMI produces ST-segment elevation on the patient’s ECG.
False.
What does NSTEMI indicate regarding myocardial injury on an ECG?
Produces no sign of myocardial injury (ST-segment elevation).
What are the patient care goals when managing STEMI?
Identify quickly whether STEMI is present and notify the medical facility, determine the time of symptom onset, monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs, administer appropriate medications, transport to an appropriate facility.
What is the most common symptom of an ACS?
Chest discomfort.
Where can the pain from ACS radiate?
Arms (most often the left arm), fingers, neck, jaw, upper back, or epigastrium.
How is ischemic chest discomfort usually described?
Dull rather than sharp.
Is ischemic chest discomfort affected by deep inspiration, movement, or position?
No, it is unaffected.
What are symptoms of myocardial ischemia other than chest pain called?
Anginal equivalents.
How do women with an ACS often describe their discomfort?
Aching, tightness, pressure, sharpness, burning, fullness, or tingling.
What is the common location of discomfort for women experiencing ACS?
Back, shoulder, or neck.
What are frequent acute symptoms of ACS?
Shortness of breath, weakness, unusual fatigue, cold sweats, dizziness, nausea or vomiting.
What atypical symptoms may older adults present with during ACS?
Compromised mental status, generalized weakness, syncope, shortness of breath, fatigue, unexplained nausea, abdominal or epigastric discomfort.
How may patients with diabetes present during an ACS?
Generalized weakness, syncope, light-headedness, or diminished mental status.
What should you pay attention to regarding the patient?
The patient’s general appearance
This includes assessing the patient’s demeanor and visible signs of distress.
What is a typical level of responsiveness for a patient with an AMI?
The patient is apprehensive
AMI stands for Acute Myocardial Infarction.
