Question

A 72-year-old woman is brought to the ED by her family. The family states that she's "just not herself." Her respirations are slightly labored, and her heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia (rate 110 beats/min) with frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). She denies any chest pain, jaw pain, back discomfort, or nausea. Her troponin levels are elevated, and her 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) shows elevated ST segments in leads II, III, and AVF. The nurse knows that these symptoms are most likely associated with which diagnosis?

1) Hypokalemia
2) Non-Q wave MI
3) Silent myocardial infarction
4) Unstable angina

Answer 1

The symptoms described are most likely associated with a diagnosis of Non-Q wave MI. Elevated troponin levels and ST segment elevation on the ECG suggest a myocardial infarction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described in the question are most likely associated with a diagnosis of Non-Q wave MI. Their 72-year-old woman's elevated troponin levels and the presence of elevated ST segments in leads II, III, and AVF on the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) are consistent with a myocardial infarction (MI). The absence of chest pain, nausea, or other typical symptoms, can be seen in a subset of patients with a silent myocardial infarction. Unstable angina would typically present with chest pain and other symptoms, which are not described in this case. Lastly, hypokalemia would not explain the elevated troponin levels or ECG findings associated with MI.