Acute Coronary Syndrome (Angina Pectoris and Myocardial Infarction)

1. Which of the following is the primary symptom of angina pectoris? A. Nausea B. Chest pain C. Shortness of breath D. Sweating Answer: B. Chest pain Rationale: Chest pain is the hallmark symptom of angina pectoris, typically described as a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest. ________________________________________ 2. A patient experiencing stable angina may be relieved by which of the following? A. Rest B. Nitroglycerin C. Both A and B D. Aspirin Answer: C. Both A and B Rationale: Stable angina usually resolves with rest and/or the use of nitroglycerin, which dilates coronary arteries. ________________________________________ 3. Which of the following is a common trigger for angina pectoris? A. Eating a large meal B. Extreme weather conditions C. Physical exertion D. All of the above Answer: D. All of the above Rationale: Angina can be triggered by physical exertion, stress, extreme temperatures, or large meals due to increased oxygen demand. ________________________________________ 4. The nurse is teaching a patient about myocardial infarction (MI). Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? A. "I should call 911 if I have chest pain lasting more than 5 minutes." B. "I can wait to see if the pain goes away before seeking help." C. "I might feel pain in my jaw or back during an MI." D. "I should chew aspirin if I suspect I am having an MI." Answer: B. "I can wait to see if the pain goes away before seeking help." Rationale: Immediate medical attention is crucial in the case of an MI; waiting is not advised. ________________________________________ 5. A patient with a history of angina is prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin. What should the nurse instruct the patient? A. Swallow the tablet whole B. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve C. Take the tablet with a full glass of water D. Store the tablets in the refrigerator Answer: B. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve Rationale: Sublingual nitroglycerin should be placed under the tongue for rapid absorption. ________________________________________ 6. Which laboratory test is most indicative of myocardial infarction? A. Creatine kinase (CK) B. Troponin I C. Myoglobin D. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) Answer: B. Troponin I Rationale: Troponin I is highly sensitive and specific for myocardial injury and is the preferred biomarker for diagnosing MI. ________________________________________ 7. What is the primary treatment for a patient experiencing an acute myocardial infarction? A. Bed rest B. Immediate administration of aspirin C. Nitroglycerin therapy D. Oxygen therapy Answer: B. Immediate administration of aspirin Rationale: Aspirin is administered to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce clot formation during an acute MI. ________________________________________ 8. A patient experiencing an acute myocardial infarction presents with which of the following clinical manifestations? A. Bradycardia B. Severe chest pain C. Hypertension D. Elevated respiratory rate Answer: B. Severe chest pain Rationale: Patients often report severe, crushing chest pain during an MI. ________________________________________ 9. A nurse is monitoring a patient for signs of heart failure after an MI. Which sign would be the most concerning? A. Peripheral edema B. Shortness of breath C. Dry cough D. Fatigue Answer: B. Shortness of breath Rationale: Shortness of breath can indicate pulmonary congestion and worsening heart failure, requiring immediate intervention. ________________________________________ 10. Which medication is often prescribed to prevent angina and reduce the workload on the heart? A. Beta-blockers B. Calcium channel blockers C. Antiplatelet agents D. All of the above Answer: D. All of the above Rationale: All these medications can help prevent angina by reducing heart workload or preventing clot formation. ________________________________________