Assessment & Symptoms
This was the patient’s chief complaint upon arrival to the ED.
What is chest pain radiating to the jaw and left arm?
This heart rate finding indicates sinus tachycardia.
What is 124 bpm?
These EKG leads showed ST elevation.
What are V3 and V4?
This medication can only be given when a patient's saturation is less than 90%.
What is oxygen?
STEMI patients should go directly to this location.
What is the cardiac cath lab?
These physical findings suggest decreased cardiac perfusion.
What are diaphoresis, pallor, anxiety, and cool, clammy skin?
This oxygen saturation level does NOT yet require supplemental oxygen.
What is 92% on room air?
The priority nursing diagnosis for this patient focuses on this system.
What is cardiac tissue perfusion?
This medication may be repeated every 5 minutes (max-3 doses) for chest pain.
What is nitroglycerin?
This access site requires monitoring for bleeding and hematoma.
What is the right femoral (groin) site?
This associated symptom indicated increased oxygen demand.
What is shortness of breath upon exertion?
This lab value confirms myocardial injury.
What is elevated troponin?
“Time is muscle” refers to this concept.
What is early reperfusion saves myocardium?
This medication requires blood pressure monitoring before/after administration.
What is nitroglycerin?
This nursing intervention is priority immediately post-cath.
What is monitoring the access site and vital signs?
This past medical history increases the patient’s risk for coronary artery disease.
What are hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and prior stents?
This lab trend is most concerning for acute MI.
What is rising troponin levels?
This diagnosis requires immediate reperfusion therapy.
What is STEMI?
This medication prevents further clot formation during STEMI.
What is heparin?
This order explains why the patient is on bedrest for 5 hours.
What is femoral access during cardiac catheterization?
This pain characteristic helps differentiate MI from stable angina.
What is pain not relieved by rest?
This cholesterol level places the patient in the high-risk category.
What is 255 mg/dL?
This hospital alert was activated at 1045.
What is a STEMI alert?
This medication is given as an antiplatelet therapy and must be chewed
What is aspirin 325 mg?
This lab must be monitored while the patient is on a heparin infusion.
What is aPTT?