EKG/Diagnostics
This lab test measures cardiac muscle damage and is elevated in MI.
What is troponin
A patient with ventricular tachycardia and a pulse suddenly becomes unresponsive. What assessment should the nurse perform first?
What is check for a pulse and assess breathing
This calcium channel blocker is often given by IV to slow ventricular response in atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
What is diltiazem (Cardizem)
Low levels of this electrolyte can cause PVCs and ventricular dysrhythmias.
What is potassium
During an acute MI, this symptom often accompanies chest pain and may cause the patient to appear pale and clammy.
What is diaphoresis
This rhythm is “irregularly irregular” with no distinct P waves.
What is atrial fibrillation
After giving nitroglycerin, the nurse should monitor this vital sign closely.
What is blood pressure (for hypotension)
This medication is given rapidly through IV push for paroxysmal SVT and may cause a brief asystole.
What is adenosine
Atrial fibrillation increases the patient’s risk for this major complication.
What is stroke
Women and older adults may experience these “atypical” MI symptoms.
What are fatigue, nausea, dyspnea, or indigestion
This diagnostic test visualizes coronary artery blockages.
What is cardiac catheterization (coronary angiography)
You see ventricular tachycardia on the monitor and the patient has no pulse. What should you do immediately?
What is begin CPR and call a code
This antiarrhythmic is used to treat both atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias and can cause pulmonary toxicity with long-term use.
What is amiodarone
These three lifestyle factors greatly increase the risk of developing CAD.
What are smoking, poor diet (high fat/cholesterol), and lack of exercise
A patient reports chest discomfort after activity that is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin — this describes which condition?
What is stable angina
This ventricular rhythm has wide QRS complexes and no P waves; the rate is over 100 bpm.
What is ventricular tachycardia
For a client in supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), the nurse should first try this nonpharmacologic maneuver if the patient is stable.
What is vagal stimulation (bearing down or coughing)
This drug is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia.
What is atropine
This common post-MI dysrhythmia can indicate ventricular irritability.
What are premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
This vital sign change may occur as a result of decreased cardiac output after an MI.
What is hypotension or tachycardia
This life-threatening rhythm shows chaotic, wavy lines with no identifiable QRS complexes or P waves.
What is ventricular fibrillation
Name the four immediate actions for chest pain.
What are Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, and Aspirin
This medication prevents platelet aggregation and reduces mortality after MI.
What is aspirin
This condition, often associated with kidney disease, raises CAD risk due to increased circulating volume and vascular resistance.
What is hypertension (or chronic high blood pressure)
The nurse should suspect cardiogenic shock after an MI if the patient shows these three key symptoms.
What are hypotension, weak pulse, and cool, clammy skin