QUIZ 1 (ACS) Flashcards
A patient arrives at the emergency department with chest pain that has lasted for 20 minutes. The nurse knows that which of the following ECG findings is most indicative of a STEMI?
A. ST-segment depression
B. T-wave inversion
C. ST-segment elevation in two contiguous leads
D. Prolonged PR interval
Answer: C
Rationale: ST-segment elevation in two contiguous leads is the hallmark ECG finding in a STEMI. ST-segment depression and T-wave inversion suggest ischemia or NSTEMI.
Which cardiac biomarker is the most specific for myocardial infarction?
A. CK-MB
B. Myoglobin
C. Troponin I
D. LDH
Answer: C
Rationale: Troponin I (or T) is the most specific and sensitive biomarker for myocardial infarction. It rises within 4-6 hours, peaks at 10-24 hours, and remains elevated for up to 14 days.
A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected unstable angina. Which of the following findings differentiates unstable angina from a myocardial infarction?
A. Chest pain that is relieved with rest
B. Elevated serum troponin levels
C. ST-segment elevation on ECG
D. Pain that lasts longer than 30 minutes
Answer: B
Rationale: Unstable angina does not cause myocardial necrosis, so troponin levels remain normal. It is characterized by chest pain that occurs unpredictably but is relieved with rest or nitroglycerin.
Which statement about NSTEMI is correct?
A. NSTEMI is caused by a total coronary artery occlusion.
B. NSTEMI does not usually cause ST-segment elevation.
C. Thrombolytic therapy is the treatment of choice for NSTEMI.
D. Patients with NSTEMI do not require cardiac catheterization.
Answer: B
Rationale: NSTEMI is caused by a partial occlusion and does not typically show ST-segment elevation. Thrombolytic therapy is only used for STEMI. Patients with NSTEMI undergo cardiac catheterization within 12-72 hours.
A patient with a suspected MI reports chest pain that radiates to the left arm and jaw. What other symptom is most common in an acute MI?
A. Epigastric burning
B. Sharp pleuritic pain on inspiration
C. Weakness, nausea, and diaphoresis
D. Pain that improves with deep breathing
Answer: C
Rationale: MI pain is often accompanied by nausea, diaphoresis, and weakness due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Which assessment finding would be expected in a patient with a right ventricular infarction?
A. Pulmonary congestion
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Increased urine output
Answer: B
Rationale: Right ventricular infarction can cause JVD, hepatic engorgement, and peripheral edema due to systemic venous congestion.
A nurse is assessing an elderly patient with an MI. Which symptom is the patient most likely to report?
A. Severe chest pain
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Left arm pain
D. Shortness of breath and confusion
Answer: D
Rationale: Older adults often present with atypical symptoms such as confusion, dyspnea, and generalized weakness rather than classic chest pain.
What is the priority nursing action for a patient presenting with chest pain?
A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
B. Administer morphine
C. Obtain a troponin level
D. Give aspirin
Answer: A
Rationale: A 12-lead ECG should be obtained immediately to determine if the patient has ST-segment elevation, guiding treatment decisions.
Which medication should be administered first in a patient with suspected MI?
A. Nitroglycerin
B. Morphine
C. Atorvastatin
D. Metoprolol
Answer: A
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is given first to relieve chest pain by vasodilation. Morphine is used if pain persists.
Which of the following is a contraindication to thrombolytic therapy?
A. Onset of chest pain 1 hour ago
B. History of GI bleeding 6 months ago
C. STEMI confirmed on ECG
D. Blood pressure of 190/110 mmHg
Answer: D
Rationale: Severe hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg) is a contraindication due to increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage.
A patient with an anterior wall MI suddenly develops crackles in the lungs and S3 heart sounds. What complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Cardiogenic shock
B. Left ventricular heart failure
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Right ventricular infarction
Answer: B
Rationale: Left ventricular failure can occur due to impaired contractility, leading to pulmonary congestion and crackles.
Which ECG change is a sign of myocardial infarction resolution after thrombolytic therapy?
A. ST-segment elevation persists
B. Return of ST-segment to baseline
C. Prolonged QT interval
D. New left bundle branch block
Answer: B
Rationale: The return of the ST-segment to baseline indicates successful reperfusion of the myocardium.
Which laboratory finding is most concerning in a patient receiving heparin for ACS?
A. Platelet count of 90,000/mm³
B. Hemoglobin of 13 g/dL
C. Troponin of 1.5 ng/mL
D. INR of 1.2
Answer: A
Rationale: A low platelet count suggests heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious complication.
Which statement by a patient recovering from an MI indicates a need for further teaching?
A. “I will take my aspirin every day.”
B. “I can stop taking my beta-blocker when I feel better.”
C. “I should avoid heavy lifting for a while.”
D. “I need to follow a heart-healthy diet.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Beta-blockers should not be stopped abruptly as this increases the risk of rebound hypertension and another MI.
Which dietary recommendation is best for a patient with ACS?
A. High-fat, low-carbohydrate diet
B. Low-sodium, low-fat diet
C. High-protein, high-fat diet
D. Low-fiber diet
Answer: B
Rationale: A heart-healthy diet should be low in saturated fat and sodium to reduce cardiovascular risk.
A patient presents to the emergency department with chest pain. The provider orders an ECG and cardiac biomarkers. The ECG shows ST-segment depression and T-wave inversion, but the initial troponin level is negative. What should the nurse anticipate?
A. The patient will be discharged home.
B. A second troponin level will be drawn in 3-6 hours.
C. The patient will receive thrombolytic therapy.
D. The patient is experiencing a STEMI.
Answer: B
Rationale: Troponin levels may not rise immediately; serial cardiac biomarkers are needed to determine if an MI has occurred.
Which of the following diagnostic tests provides direct visualization of coronary artery blockages?
A. 12-lead ECG
B. Echocardiogram
C. Chest X-ray
D. Coronary angiography
Answer: D
Rationale: Coronary angiography is the gold standard for identifying the location and severity of coronary artery blockages.
Which patient is at highest risk for developing ACS?
A. A 45-year-old woman with a history of migraines
B. A 60-year-old man with hypertension and hyperlipidemia
C. A 30-year-old man with a history of anxiety
D. A 55-year-old woman who exercises regularly
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are significant risk factors for atherosclerosis, which can lead to ACS.
Which of the following medications is given to prevent platelet aggregation in ACS?
A. Furosemide
B. Metoprolol
C. Clopidogrel
D. Atorvastatin
Answer: C
Rationale: Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet agent that prevents clot formation, reducing the risk of worsening ACS.
A nurse is administering nitroglycerin IV to a patient with a STEMI. What is the most important nursing assessment?
A. Monitor blood pressure closely
B. Monitor respiratory rate
C. Assess for nausea and vomiting
D. Evaluate capillary refill
Answer: A
Rationale: IV nitroglycerin can cause hypotension due to vasodilation. Blood pressure should be closely monitored.
A patient with a history of ACS asks why they are prescribed aspirin daily. What is the best response?
A. “Aspirin dissolves clots that may form in your coronary arteries.”
B. “Aspirin prevents the platelets from sticking together to form a clot.”
C. “Aspirin lowers your cholesterol levels, reducing plaque buildup.”
D. “Aspirin will help to lower your blood pressure.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of clot formation in the coronary arteries.
A patient receiving thrombolytic therapy for a STEMI suddenly reports severe headache and confusion. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
B. Stop the thrombolytic infusion immediately
C. Administer naloxone
D. Give additional IV fluids
Answer: B
Rationale: Severe headache and confusion may indicate intracranial hemorrhage, a serious complication of thrombolytic therapy. The infusion should be stopped immediately.
Which is the most common complication after an MI?
A. Heart failure
B. Stroke
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Ventricular dysrhythmias
Answer: D
Rationale: Ventricular dysrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation, are the most common cause of death following an MI.
A patient with an anterior wall STEMI is at greatest risk for developing which complication?
A. Right-sided heart failure
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Peripheral edema
D. Pericarditis
Answer: B
Rationale: An anterior wall STEMI affects the left ventricle, impairing cardiac output and leading to cardiogenic shock.