Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank Related

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A patient in the ICU develops acute myocardial infarction (MI) with cardiogenic shock. What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's shock?

  • A. Perform emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
  • B. Administer inotropic medications to improve cardiac contractility.
  • C. Initiate therapeutic hypothermia to reduce myocardial oxygen demand.
  • D. Recommend anticoagulant therapy to prevent thromboembolism.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with acute myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by cardiogenic shock, the primary intervention to manage shock is emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PCI is a procedure performed to restore blood flow in an occluded coronary artery that is causing the MI. By opening up the blocked artery and restoring blood flow to the heart muscle, PCI can help reduce myocardial damage, improve cardiac function, and stabilize the patient's condition. Prompt reperfusion via PCI is crucial in the setting of cardiogenic shock to improve survival outcomes and reduce the risk of further complications. Administering inotropic medications, initiating therapeutic hypothermia, or recommending anticoagulant therapy may be components of management in specific cases but are not the primary intervention for managing shock in a patient with acute MI and cardiogenic shock.