A patient who is recovering from a STEMI 3 months prior is in the clinic for a follow-up evaluation. The patient is taking 81 mg of aspirin, a beta blocker, and an ACE inhibitor daily and uses nitroglycerine as needed for angina. The patient's BMI is 24.5 kg/m², and serum LDL is 150 mg/dL. The patient has a blood pressure of 135/80 mm Hg. What will the nurse expect the provider to order for this patient?
A) An antihypertensive medication
B) Counseling about a weight loss diet
C) Discontinuing the ACE inhibitor
D) High-dose statin therapy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To help prevent recurrence of MI in patients post-STEMI, a high-dose statin should be given to patients with elevated cholesterol. This patient's blood pressure and BMI are normal, so antihypertensives and a weight loss diet are not recommended. The three drugs should be continued indefinitely.

A Patient Who Is Recovering from a STEMI 3 Months