Question

A resident of a long-term care facility has complained to the nurse of chest pain. What aspect of the resident's pain would be most suggestive of angina as the cause?

A) The pain is worse when the resident inhales deeply.
B) The pain occurs immediately following physical exertion.
C) The pain is worse when the resident coughs.
D) The pain is most severe when the resident moves his upper body.

Answer 1

Chest pain occurring immediately following physical exertion is most suggestive of angina because this indicates that the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen during increased activity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The aspect of the resident's pain that would be most suggestive of angina as the cause is if the pain occurs immediately following physical exertion. Angina is a type of chest pain or pressure that occurs when heart muscle cells do not receive adequate blood flow and suffer from a lack of oxygen, a condition known as ischemia. This pain often presents during times of increased demand on the heart, such as during exercise or stress.

Stable angina is characterized by pain that is triggered by physical activity and relieved by rest or medication, while unstable angina might occur even during rest. Symptoms of angina can include pain in the chest, back, neck, shoulders, or jaw, and may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.