A 49-year-old man presents to the emergency department with chest pain. The examining physician knows that conditions such as a fractured rib, pneumonia, and pericarditis can cause similar symptoms. What is the best initial diagnostic test that the doctor can perform to determine very rapidly whether or not the patient is experiencing a myocardial infarction?
A) ECG
B) EEG
C) listening to the heart with a stethoscope
D) blood test for the enzyme CK-MB
E) electron myography

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An ECG is the best initial diagnostic test for determining whether or not a patient is experiencing a myocardial infarction by quickly assessing the heart's electrical activity. The other options do not provide specific information about the heart's function during a myocardial infarction.

A 49-Year-Old Man Presents to the Emergency Department with Chest