Question

A client who experiences frequent episodes of chest pain is admitted to the hospital for cardiac monitoring. The client suddenly complains of chest pain, and the nurse obtains a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Which of the following findings would the nurse expect to note in the event of an ischemic episode?

a) Elevated ST segment
b) Prolonged QT interval
c) Narrow QRS complex
d) Absent P waves

Answer 1

During an ischemic episode, a nurse would expect to see a depressed ST segment on the ECG; however, when a patient actually has an acute myocardial infarction, there is typically an elevated ST segment.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client experiences frequent episodes of chest pain and is undergoing cardiac monitoring, a nurse would expect certain changes on a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) during an ischemic episode. Specifically, in the event of myocardial ischemia, the ECG might show a depressed ST segment below the baseline, indicating that not enough oxygen is reaching the myocardium. It's important to note that an elevation of the ST segment above baseline is frequently seen in patients who are actually having an acute myocardial infarction (MI).In the choices provided, the finding most consistent with ischemia, as opposed to an actual MI or other cardiac conditions, would be option a) Elevated ST segment. Other changes that can occur in an ECG, such as a prolonged QT interval, narrow QRS complex, or absent P waves can indicate a variety of cardiac conditions but are not as specifically indicative of ischemia as an elevated ST segment.