Final answer:
To determine if a patient is a candidate for fibrinolytic therapy after being diagnosed with STEMI, the nurse should ask about the timing of the onset of symptoms, as fibrinolytic treatment is time-sensitive and most effective within 12 hours of symptom onset.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient diagnosed with an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presents a medical emergency requiring prompt assessment for potential fibrinolytic therapy. The most critical question a nurse should ask is not about daily aspirin intake but rather about the timing of the onset of symptoms. Fibrinolytic therapy is most effective when administered within a narrow time window from the onset of symptoms, typically within 12 hours but preferably as soon as possible. Therefore, the question should be focused on gathering information about the precise time when the patient first noticed symptoms indicative of a STEMI, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or other related discomforts.
Promptly determining eligibility for fibrinolytic therapy is paramount as it can significantly improve outcomes by dissolving the blood clot causing the myocardial infarction. Time is of the essence, and the golden hour concept emphasizes the importance of quick and effective treatment in the case of acute myocardial infarctions. Other considerations for eligibility include the absence of contraindications like a history of hemorrhagic stroke, recent surgery, or active bleeding.