4 Myocardial Infarction Free Online FlashCards

What should you do when a heart attack is suspected?

Call emergency medical services (911) for immediate evaluation; do not wait for symptoms to return or have the person drive.

Which symptoms can indicate a myocardial infarction?

Possible symptoms include chest pressure, nausea, shortness of breath, or discomfort in the back, jaw, neck, arm, or stomach. Symptoms may come and go.

Do normal initial ECG and troponin results rule out MI?

A nondiagnostic first ECG and an initially nonelevated high-sensitivity troponin do not rule out MI. Continue clinical assessment and repeat tests as indicated.

What is the priority for a compatible presentation with ST-segment elevation?

Activate the emergency reperfusion pathway and prepare for urgent coronary angiography and PCI as indicated. Do not wait for a troponin result before escalating.

When is supplemental oxygen appropriate for a patient with suspected MI?

Monitor oxygenation, but give supplemental oxygen when clinically indicated, such as with hypoxemia or respiratory distress; it is not routine for every patient.

What should be assessed after radial-artery PCI?

Check the access site for bleeding or hematoma and assess the hand's color, warmth, sensation, and perfusion.

What do sudden hypotension, breathlessness, and a new murmur after MI suggest?

Hypotension, acute shortness of breath, and a new loud systolic murmur can signal a life-threatening mechanical complication; urgently escalate care.

What is the immediate response to an unresponsive person not breathing normally?

Activate the emergency response, assess for cardiac arrest, and begin CPR and use an AED according to training and protocol.

What supports recovery after MI?

Recovery commonly includes taking prescribed medicines, attending follow-up, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation when referred. Increase activity according to the individual care plan.

What elements are combined when assessing for MI?

MI assessment combines the clinical presentation, ECG findings, and cardiac biomarkers; a single early result may not settle the diagnosis.

Why is rapid reperfusion important in acute MI?

Restoring blood flow rapidly limits heart-muscle injury.

What else should be monitored after PCI?

Monitor vital signs and watch for recurrent ischemic symptoms, in addition to checking the access site and limb.