Question

Which intervention is at the center of the decision pathway in the management of ischemic chest pain, according to the ACS Algorithm?

A) Fibrinolytic checklist
B) Initial cardiac marker levels
C) Targeted history
D) 12-lead ECG (ECG interpretation)

Answer 1

The 12-lead ECG is the central component in the ACS Algorithm for managing ischemic chest pain, which can show critical changes indicative of myocardial infarction and guide subsequent treatment decisions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When managing ischemic chest pain according to the ACS Algorithm, the 12-lead ECG (ECG interpretation) is at the center of the decision pathway. An ECG can show alterations in the ST and Q components, which are crucial in diagnosing myocardial infarction (MI), including ST-elevated MI (STEMI) and non-ST-elevated MI (non-STEMI). Beyond initial diagnosis, immediate treatments for MI include administering supplemental oxygen, aspirin, and nitroglycerine, followed by longer-term treatments such as thrombolytic therapy, anticoagulants, and possibly surgical interventions like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery. The use of ECG is pivotal as it allows immediate assessment and guides the subsequent treatment strategy.

Further tests that may follow to confirm an MI include blood tests for creatine kinase MB and cardiac troponin, which are released by damaged cardiac muscle cells. Immediate and appropriate intervention following the guidelines can significantly influence the outcome of the patient with ischemic chest pain.