Question

You are treating a 50-year-old male with a cardiac history currently complaining of chest pain. He is breathing at 20 times a minute, has an irregular heart rate of 136 beats per minute, and a blood pressure of 120/60. His twelve-lead-tracing indicates the presence of an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

What makes the ST-elevation infarction treatment different from a non-STEMI patient's treatment?

A. A non-ST elevation infarction may respond to fibrinolytics, so destination is important for this patient

B. ST-elevation infarctions may respond to fibrinolytics, so time and destination are critical for this patient

C. ST-elevation patients will need a fluid bolus to maintain an adequate blood pressure

D. Nothing, both types will respond to fibrinolytic therapy equally

Answer 1

Treatment differs for STEMI due to the effectiveness of fibrinolytics in these cases, requiring swift medical action and transportation to a suitable healthcare facility.

Step-by-step explanation:

The treatment of an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) differs from that of a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI) primarily because STEMI patients may respond to fibrinolytics. This makes time and destination critical for these patients. Fibrinolytics are medications that dissolve blood clots, and they are most effective when administered as soon as possible after the onset of a heart attack. On the other hand, non-STEMI treatments may not always involve fibrinolytics and tend to rely more on antiplatelet drugs and the gradual introduction of angioplasty or stenting procedures. The goal for a STEMI patient is to restore blood flow swiftly, which is why emergency medical treatment and rapid transportation to an appropriate care facility are paramount.