A floor nurse pages you about a patient who is having chest pain. You order an electrocardiogram and rush to see the patient. He describes the pain as tight pressure and is demonstrably sweating and gasping for air. The ECG comes back with acute ST-segment elevations in inferior leads, and you diagnose a myocardial infarction. You start giving the patient oxygen and give him sublingual nitroglycerin and morphine for pain. You also give him another medication, which you have read may prolong his survival in this situation. What class of medication is it?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: β-Blocker. β-Blockers are indicated in the management of myocardial infarction as they help reduce myocardial oxygen demand by decreasing heart rate, blood pressure, and contractility. This results in less strain on the heart muscle and can improve survival outcomes. Additionally, β-blockers can prevent arrhythmias and reduce the risk of recurrent infarction. In this scenario, where the patient is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevations, the use of a β-blocker is crucial in managing the condition and improving the patient's prognosis.
Summary of other choices:
B: α-Agonist - Not indicated in the management of myocardial infarction.
C: Muscarinic agonist - Not indicated in the management of myocardial infarction.
D: Neuromuscular blocker - Not indicated in the management of myocardial infarction.