Question

An EMS provider is called to the home of a 75-year-old man who complains of crushing substernal chest pain which began 1 hour ago while eating lunch. He has taken two nitroglycerin tablets with no relief. The EMS Provider should suspect:

a) Angina pectoris
b) Cardiogenic shock
c) Congestive heart failure
d) Myocardial infarction

Answer 1

d) Myocardial infarction. Based on the symptoms provided, the EMS provider should suspect a myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. Immediate treatment is essential in cases of MI and may involve administering supplemental oxygen, aspirin, and nitroglycerin, among other interventions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The EMS Provider should suspect d) Myocardial infarction.

Based on the symptoms provided, the 75-year-old man is experiencing crushing substernal chest pain that started 1 hour ago and has taken two nitroglycerin tablets with no relief. These symptoms, along with the duration of pain and lack of response to nitroglycerin, are indicative of a myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. During an MI, blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle and chest pain. Immediate treatment is essential in cases of MI and may involve administering supplemental oxygen, aspirin, and nitroglycerin, among other interventions.