Question

ECG findings indicate that Kristin has had a myocardial infarction (MI). Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

A. Administer pain relief medication.
B. Notify the healthcare provider.
C. Prepare for immediate surgery.
D. Initiate cardiac monitoring.

Answer 1

The first nursing intervention after an ECG indicates a myocardial infarction is to initiate cardiac monitoring. This action prioritizes continual assessment and informs further treatment steps.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an electrocardiogram (ECG) indicates that a patient has had a myocardial infarction (MI), the most immediate nursing intervention should focus on stabilization and assessment. The first step a nurse should take is initiating cardiac monitoring. This allows for the continual assessment of the patient's cardiac rhythm, identification of any life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, and helps in guiding further management. While administering pain relief, notifying the healthcare provider, and preparing for immediate surgery are also important, they come after ensuring that the patient's cardiac function is being closely monitored.