Adult Health Med Surg Nursing Test Banks Related

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A patient presents with chest pain that occurs at rest and is relieved by nitroglycerin. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may show transient ST-segment elevation. Which cardiovascular disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

  • A. Stable angina
  • B. Unstable angina
  • C. Acute myocardial infarction
  • D. Prinzmetal's angina
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Prinzmetal's angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by episodes of chest pain that occur at rest and are relieved by nitroglycerin. Patients with Prinzmetal's angina may also have transient ST-segment elevation on an electrocardiogram (ECG) during episodes of chest pain. This is due to coronary artery vasospasm, which causes temporary obstruction of blood flow to the heart muscle. Stable angina typically presents with chest pain on exertion that resolves with rest, while unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction present with chest pain that is not relieved with nitroglycerin and are associated with more severe coronary artery disease.