Pathophysiology Question for Healthcare Professionals!

Question

John, a 45 year-old male walks into the clinic complaining of persistent angina that started at 1:00 AM in the morning. He is notably diaphoretic but is still ambulatory and alert. He is a smoker with a pack history of 15 years. He has no allergies to medications and his medical Hx is unremarkable except for HTN (He takes Lisinopril, once daily only). An EKG is performed noting abnormalities consistent with an Anterior MI. What findings might you see on the EKG and what would be appropriate interventions?

a)      Normal Sinus Rhythm with a pathological Q-Wave; Call EMS.

b)     Notable ST-Depression in the inferior leads; provide 325 Mgs ASA and wait 15 minutes for improvement in symptoms.

c)      ST-Elevation in Leads V2-V3 with reciprocal ST-Depression in leads II, III & AVF; Call EMS and then provide 325 Mgs ASA.

d)     Take a picture of the EKG and send it to your friends asking for help to figure out what’s going on, whilst doing so tell John to relax because you’re waiting for a response.

*This is a question that I made myself for the purposes of educational instruction.

Answer 1

The answer is c.

ST elevation in V2-V3 demonstrates an anterior wall or LAD infarction.

An acute MI is not something that should be managed in a clinic. 911 needs to called and the patient must be taken to the hospital. The patient can not drive themselves to the hospital! ASA should also be given

Answer 2