CEA Nursing Practice Exam

What is the likely diagnosis for a patient experiencing chest pressure, arm numbness, and shortness of breath, requiring treatment with sublingual nitroglycerin?

1. Stable angina

2. Acute myocardial infarction

3. Heart failure

4. Unstable angina

The correct answer is: Unstable angina

The symptoms presented—chest pressure, arm numbness, and shortness of breath—are indicative of potential issues related to cardiac ischemia. The use of sublingual nitroglycerin suggests that the patient is experiencing angina symptoms, as nitroglycerin is commonly administered to relieve chest pain associated with angina. Unstable angina is characterized by increased frequency, intensity, or duration of anginal symptoms, occurring at rest or with minimal exertion. The fact that the patient requires treatment with sublingual nitroglycerin indicates that the symptoms are not stable, thus aligning with unstable angina. This condition represents a critical transition from stable angina and signifies a higher risk for progression to a more severe cardiac event, such as an acute myocardial infarction. In contrast, stable angina typically occurs predictably with exertion and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Acute myocardial infarction involves more severe, often prolonged pain, and might present with other symptoms like diaphoresis or nausea, requiring immediate emergency intervention. Heart failure typically presents with symptoms like dyspnea on exertion and edema rather than acute chest pressure and requires a different therapeutic approach. Overall, the clinical presentation and the need for nitroglycer