The physician has diagnosed a myocardial infarction on the basis of ECG changes for Mr. Montgomery, a 67-year-old retired College professor, who was rushed to the Emergency Department after collapsing in his front yard. The nurse is assessing Mr. Montgomery frequently and notes that he seems forgetful, making the nurse repeat the explanations about the ECG and non-invasive blood pressure monitors. The nurse concludes that Mr. Montgomery's response is most likely due to which of the following reasons?
A)Mr. Montgomery is showing signs of Alzheimer's disease
B)Mr. Montgomery is showing signs of fear and anxiety
C)Nurses in the Emergency Department are too busy to properly explain the purpose of the equipment
D)Memory lapses are common with clients experiencing myocardial infarction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Anxiety and fear are common responses to a diagnosis of myocardial infarction because of the possibility of death. This prevents the client and family from absorbing detailed explanations about the care being provided. Memory lapses are not a common symptom of myocardial infarction (Choice D) and there is not adequate information to determine that this memory lapse is associated with Alzheimer's disease (Choice A). Nurses in the Emergency Department are able to explain procedures well to their clients (Choice C).

The Physician Has Diagnosed a Myocardial Infarction on the Basis