Question

What specific measures are taken for a patient experiencing symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who also has a history of heart bypass or an internal defibrillator?

A. Never start CPR before clearing with the ER physician.
B. Avoid performing CPR on patient with an internal defibrillator.
C. Implement the same measures as for any patient with AMI symptoms.
D. Check to see if the patient has the classic bypass scar.

Answer 1

For a patient with AMI symptoms and a history of heart bypass or an internal defibrillator, the same emergency measures should be taken as for any AMI patient. These include administering oxygen, aspirin, nitroglycerine, initiating CPR, and potentially using an AED while considering the patient's medical devices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate response to a patient experiencing symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), who also has a history of heart bypass surgery or has an internal defibrillator, is to implement the same measures as for any patient with AMI symptoms, with consideration of their medical history. Intervention includes administering supplemental oxygen, aspirin, and nitroglycerine as immediate treatments.

If ventricular fibrillation is detected, CPR should be initiated followed by the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if available. During the use of an AED, if the patient has an internal defibrillator, it's important to avoid placing the AED pads directly over the device. Longer-term treatments can include thrombolytic therapy, anticoagulants, and possible surgical interventions such as angioplasty, stents, or bypass grafting, depending on the extent and location of the occlusion.