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Educating female patients on signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction includes all of the following EXCEPT:

a. pain or aching and throbbing in the biceps or forearms.
b. shortness of breath (SOB).
c. feeling of lightness or feeling famished in the mediastinum.
d. dizziness (vertigo) - unexplained lightheadedness or syncopal episodes.

User Yueyoum
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Option c, feeling of lightness or feeling famished in the mediastinum, is not a common symptom of a myocardial infarction in females. Symptoms in females often include non-classic presentations such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and sometimes pain in the arms, making prompt and accurate diagnosis essential.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is option c:

Feeling of lightness or feeling famished in the mediastinum is not a common symptom of myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, in females. Instead, female patients often experience symptoms that diverge from the classic presentation seen in males. While male patients may frequently experience angina, which is pain radiating down the left arm, females may have chest pain that feels like pressure or squeezing, which can also present as pain or discomfort in other areas like the back, neck, or jaw.

Other symptoms that are indicative of an MI in females include shortness of breath, often referred to as dyspnea, which is listed as option b. This is a classic sign that is shared with other conditions like anxiety attacks and indigestion, making differential diagnosis vital. Dizziness and unexplained lightheadedness or syncopal episodes, option d, are also reported symptoms that could indicate an MI. Additionally, option a, pain or aching in the biceps or forearms, while less classic, can still be a symptom of MI in females.

It's crucial for medical professionals to be aware of the variable presentation of MI symptoms in women to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure prompt and accurate treatment.

User Anup Singh
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