A 72-year-old woman is brought to the ED by her family.The family states that she's "just not herself." Her respirations are slightly labored,and her heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia (rate 110 beats/min)with frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).She denies any chest pain,jaw pain,back discomfort,or nausea.Her troponin levels are elevated,and her 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)shows elevated ST segments in leads II,III,and aVF.The nurse knows that these symptoms are most likely associated with which diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Some individuals may have ischemic episodes without knowing it,thereby having a "silent" infarction.These can occur with no presenting signs or symptoms; however,the patient's troponin levels and ECG are consistent with an MI.Asymptomatic or nontraditional symptoms are more common in elderly persons,in women,and in diabetic patients.The patient does not fit the criteria for hypokalemia,a non-Q wave MI,or unstable angina.

A 72-Year-Old Woman Is Brought to the ED by Her