RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone Related

Review RN HESI Exit Exam Capstone related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client with an acute myocardial infarction. Which symptom requires immediate intervention?

  • A. Dizziness
  • B. Shortness of breath
  • C. Severe chest pain
  • D. Nausea and vomiting
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Severe chest pain is the hallmark symptom of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and requires immediate intervention to prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Chest pain in this context is often described as crushing, pressure, tightness, or heaviness. It can radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen. Other symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting may also occur in acute myocardial infarction, but chest pain is the most critical sign requiring prompt action as it signifies inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle. Shortness of breath may indicate heart failure, while nausea and vomiting can be associated with the sympathetic response to myocardial infarction. Dizziness could result from decreased cardiac output but is not as specific to myocardial infarction as severe chest pain.