Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting signs and symptoms characteristic of a myocardial infarction (MI). Which statement describes priorities the nurse should establish while performing the physical assessment?

a) Prepare the client for pulmonary artery catheterization.
b) Assess the client's level of pain and administer prescribed analgesics.
c) Assess the client's level of anxiety and provide emotional support.
d) Ensure that the client's family is kept informed of his status.

Answer 1

b) Assess the client's level of pain and administer prescribed analgesics.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting signs and symptoms characteristic of a myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, assessing the client's level of pain and administer prescribed analgesics is some of the priorities that the nurse should establish while performing the physical assessment.

Answer 2

b) Assess the client's level of pain and administer prescribed analgesics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Myocardial infarction is the necrosis (death) of a part of the heart muscle caused by the absence of blood supply that carries nutrients and oxygen to the heart. This infarction is the result of a complex series of events accumulated over the years, but is usually linked to atheromas, plaques, and other substances that form on the walls of the arteries. These plaques may grow to clog the artery, or rupture and release fragments that will clog vessels leading to the heart, causing the heart attack.

Usually people who are experiencing myocardial infarction have fixed chest pain, which can range from mild to very severe, or a feeling of chest compression that usually lasts about 30 minutes. Regardless of whether the patient feels pain or not, the priority that the nurse should set when performing the physical assessment is to assess the client's pain level and administer prescribed painkillers.