Question

A patient's 12-lead ECG is transmitted by paramedics and shows a STEMI. When the patient arrives in the emergency department, the rhythm shown here is seen on the cardiac monitor (sinus rhythm 92 w/ STEMI). The patient has a moderate resolution of chest pain (5/10) after 3 doses of sublingual nitroglycerin. Blood pressure is 104/70 mm Hg. Which intervention is most important in reducing this patient's in-hospital and 30-day mortality rate?

Answer 1

The most important intervention to reduce the patient's in-hospital and 30-day mortality rate is immediate reperfusion therapy, such as PCI or CABG. Other interventions include administering appropriate medications and providing supportive care and lifestyle modifications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important intervention in reducing this patient's in-hospital and 30-day mortality rate is immediate reperfusion therapy. Reperfusion therapy, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aims to restore blood flow to the blocked coronary artery and salvage the heart muscle.

Immediate reperfusion therapy is crucial for patients with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) as it reduces the risk of irreversible heart damage and improves survival outcomes. Both PCI and CABG have been proven effective in restoring blood flow and improving outcomes for patients with STEMI.

Other important interventions include administering appropriate medications, such as antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and beta-blockers, and providing close monitoring, supportive care, and lifestyle modifications to manage risk factors.