Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Question 1

S&S

Answer 1

pain radiating to the L arm, entire chest, neck, jaw, & abdomen

numbness of arms, neck or back

confusion

moist and pallor

decreased BP

syncope (fainting)

SOB

cough

low-grade fever

Question 2

Nursing considerations

Answer 2

monitor output because partial or complete anuria (urine output of less than 100 mL/day and, if abrupt in onset, suggests bilateral obstruction or catastrophic injury to both kidneys) can develop

monitor for arrhythmias

ARMS SHOULDN’T BE SUPPORTED TO AVOID STRAIN ON THE HEART

reduce the amount of time that the pt is on bed rest and try to replace it with assisting the pt onto a chair instead

getting out of bed rest early can be beneficial to the heart, maintains the body condition & assists in preventing further complications due to immobility.

be alert for early signs of pulmonary edema & CHF; and other complications such as:

• persistent dyspnea
• cyanosis
• decreasing BP
• rising temp
• arrhythmias

Question 3

Interventions

Answer 3

Fitness programs:
-pts should first do a medical evaluation & exercise test to make sure that they will be able to tolerate the program.

-The programs usually consists of:
=walking
=swimming
=bicycling

• these programs can improve cardiac functional capacity, reduce ischemic episodes, decreases the risk of complications & promotes a sense of well-being & control over the condition
• nitroglycerin (vasodilators)