Administering aspirin (unless contraindicated) is a priority intervention for suspected myocardial infarction (MI) as it inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing mortality. Other immediate actions: oxygen if hypoxic; nitroglycerin for pain; morphine for pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin; monitor ECG; obtain cardiac enzymes; establish IV access; and prepare for reperfusion therapy (thrombolytics or PCI). Time is critical: door-to-balloon time goal <90 minutes for PCI; door-to-needle <30 minutes for thrombolytics. Nurses assess: chest pain characteristics (crushing, substernal, radiating to arm/jaw); associated symptoms (nausea, sweating, shortness of breath); and risk factors. Atypical presentations common in women, diabetics, elderly. Continuous monitoring for arrhythmias (especially ventricular fibrillation). Patient education about symptoms and calling emergency immediately. Post-MI care includes: cardiac rehabilitation; medication adherence (antiplatelets, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins); and lifestyle modifications. Rapid intervention saves myocardium and lives.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies