Chapter 2: Myocardial Infarction (MI) Flashcards
What is a common cause of Myocardial Infarction or Heart Attack?
Atherosclerosis.
What does Atherosclerosis causes?
Buildup of fatty deposits, called plaque, in the coronary arteries.
What does the Plaque caused from Atherosclerosis do?
Narrows the arteries and may partially or totally block blood flow to the heart or a piece of plaque lead to a blood clot and will cut off blood flow.
What is the main way to prevent heart damage is to?
Restore blood flow quickly.
What are common warning signs of a Myocardial Infarction?
Pressure or tightness in the chest that may radiate to the left shoulder and jaw, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, etc.
What needs to be done when the patient is experiencing symptoms of a Myocardial Infarction?
Should not be standing, first intervention is to help the patient into a wheelchair (if available), transport them to a treatment room.
Why many providers will order one regular-strength aspirin?
To help dissolve any blood clot that might be present.
If the patient has known history of angina and takes nitroglycerin it should?
Be given immediately.
EMS should be notified at the provider’s request, what will happen if the patient isn’t in the office when a patient presents with cardiac symptoms?
Summon EMS immediately so that the patient receives help as quickly as possible.
