MI / acute coronary syndrome
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Cardiachigh priorityneeds review
MI / acute coronary syndrome
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Reduced coronary blood flow from plaque rupture, clot, or severe narrowing.
- Myocardial oxygen supply does not meet demand, causing ischemia and possible necrosis.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Nitrates | Relieves ischemic chest pain when BP allows. |
| Antiplatelets | Reduces platelet clot activity. |
| Beta blockers | Decreases workload in selected clients. |
| Anticoagulants | May be used per ACS protocol. |
Nursing actions
- Assess chest pain, vital signs, oxygenation, and obtain ECG promptly.
- Check contraindications before nitroglycerin.
- Prepare for reperfusion pathway and monitor for dysrhythmias.
Complications
- V-fib
- Heart failure
- Cardiogenic shock
- Papillary muscle rupture
NCLEX cues
- Crushing chest pressure, diaphoresis, nausea, radiating pain.
- Troponin trend matters.
Memory hooks
- Chest pain NCLEX: assess, ECG, perfusion, protocol.
Labs / Diagnostics
- 12-lead ECG
- Troponin
- Electrolytes
- Chest pain assessment
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.