MI Question

Nursing Students NCLEX

Published

Specializes in ICU.

Say a patient is having fullness in the chest after eating and I suspect an MI. Would I first obtain a 12-lead ECG or call the doctor? My NCLEX book says to call the doc, but won't he/she just order a 12-lead when I call?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Depends on how the responses worded as technically requires a physician order. Most assume you have standing protocols to initiate based upon complaint. Such as which is the priority action. Sit up high fowlers, obtain ECG, administer O2 via NC, ask if took NTG as prescribed.

Which book? How is the rationale worded?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

The questions answer choices are:

Administer aluminum/magnesium concentrate and suspension 30 mL

Administer Levothyroxine

Obtain a 12-lead ECG

Call the primary health care provider

The rationale says that obtaining an ECG delays care and doesn't fix the problem. It says the doctor needs to prescribe medications.

I feel like this rationale is wrong because, as a nurse, we must assess the patient first. The patient could really just be having GERD..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't love this question either, but I suppose if it reads that the MI is already suspected then the assessment has occurred and you now need to treat (which would start with contacting the MD for orders).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment