Arrhythmias - STEMI, NSTEMI, AFib, SVT, VT | Q&A | Grade A | 100%
Correct (Verified Answers) – Chamberlain University
Subject: Advanced Practice Nursing – Acute Coronary Syndrome (STEMI/NSTEMI), Atrial Fibrillation,
Supraventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Tachycardia, Arrhythmia Management
Source: NR 574 CEA Midterm Exam / Chamberlain University / ACC/AHA Guidelines (2026/2027
Update)
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationales | Grade A Guaranteed
1. How is STEMI diagnosed?
Correct Answer: By EKG findings, not troponin levels.
1. ST elevation on EKG is diagnostic for STEMI.
2. Troponin confirms myocardial injury but is not required for emergent reperfusion decision.
2. What is the key EKG finding in STEMI?
Correct Answer: ST elevation in two or more contiguous leads.
1. Anterior MI: V2-V4; Inferior MI: II, III, aVF; Lateral MI: I, aVL, V5-V6.
2. ST elevation ≥1 mm (0.1 mV) in limb leads, ≥2 mm in precordial leads.
3. What finding often accompanies ST elevation in STEMI?
Correct Answer: Reciprocal ST depression.
1. Reciprocal changes occur in leads opposite the infarct territory.
2. Example: Inferior STEMI shows ST depression in anterior leads.
4. What are troponin levels early in STEMI?
Correct Answer: May be normal initially.
1. Troponin rises 2-4 hours after symptom onset.
2. Normal initial troponin does NOT rule out MI.
5. What is the first step in the management of STEMI?
Correct Answer: Immediate activation of the cath lab for primary percutaneous coronary intervention
(PCI).
1. Door-to-balloon time <90 minutes is the goal.
2. PCI is the preferred reperfusion strategy when available.
, 6. What should NOT delay cath lab activation in STEMI?
Correct Answer: Waiting for troponin results.
1. EKG is diagnostic; troponin results are not needed to decide reperfusion.
2. Time is myocardium – delays increase mortality.
7. When are thrombolytics indicated in STEMI?
Correct Answer: When PCI is unavailable within 120 minutes and no contraindications exist.
1. Thrombolytics (tPA, tenecteplase) are used when timely PCI is not possible.
2. Contraindications: active bleeding, recent surgery, hemorrhagic stroke.
8. What are the EKG findings in NSTEMI?
Correct Answer: ST depression or T-wave inversion.
1. NSTEMI may have non-specific ST-T wave changes or normal EKG.
2. No ST elevation is present.
9. What are troponin levels in NSTEMI?
Correct Answer: Elevated.
1. Troponin elevation distinguishes NSTEMI from unstable angina.
2. Peak troponin correlates with infarct size.
10. What is the primary management of NSTEMI?
Correct Answer: Anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy with cardiology consultation.
1. Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + P2Y12 inhibitor).
2. Anticoagulation with heparin or enoxaparin.
3. Risk stratification guides need for early invasive angiography.
11. What are troponin levels in unstable angina?
Correct Answer: Normal (no myocardial injury).
1. Unstable angina is characterized by myocardial ischemia without necrosis.
2. Differentiated from NSTEMI by normal troponin.
12. How is unstable angina managed?
Correct Answer: Treat the same as NSTEMI (anticoagulation, antiplatelet therapy, cardiology consult).
1. Unstable angina and NSTEMI are managed similarly due to shared pathophysiology.
2. Risk stratification determines invasive strategy.