Question

A 56 y/o male complains of chest pain and shortness of breath that began 20 minutes ago and is rated a 10/10. You acquire a prehospital 12-lead, and upon note ST elevation in leads II, III, and avF, V3, and V4. The patient needs to be transported to a facility with what capabilities?

Answer 1

The patient with ST elevation in specific leads of a prehospital 12-lead ECG should be taken to a facility capable of cardiac catheterization and potential percutaneous coronary intervention or thrombolytic therapy to treat an acute myocardial infarction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient presenting with chest pain and shortness of breath, along with ST elevation in leads II, III, and avF, V3, and V4 on a prehospital 12-lead ECG, is indicative of an acute myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack. The ST elevation suggests that there is significant damage to the heart tissue in specific areas supplied by the coronary arteries. Therefore, this patient must be transported to a facility that has the capabilities for advanced cardiac care, including cardiac catheterization and the potential for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic therapy. It is critical for the patient to receive immediate and specialized care to restore blood flow to the affected areas of the heart, minimize heart muscle damage, and address any life-threatening complications.