Author Question: The pain associated with pericarditis is ____. A. Crushing and squeezing B. Constant C. Worse ... (Read 23 times)

anjilletteb · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The pain associated with pericarditis is ____.

A. Crushing and squeezing
B. Constant
C. Worse with inspiration
D. Only present with fever

Question 2

Which is the most specific and sensitive test for validating a myocardial infarction?

A. 12-lead EKG
B. Troponin
C. CK-MB
D. CT scan

sailorcrescent · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Unlike the symptoms associated with ACS, the pain associated with pericarditis is sharp and stabbing; it may worsen with inspiration or when lying flat or leaning forward. Associated symptoms may include shortness of breath, fever, chills, and malaise.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Diagnostic studies of myocardial infarction include:
CK-MBThe serum level of CK-MB is elevated above normal in the first few hours after MI and returns to normal within 72 hours. The levels can also be elevated following trauma or with progressive muscular dystrophy.
TroponinAn inhibitory protein found in muscle fibers, troponin is elevated within 4 hours of an MI and stays elevated for 7 to 10 days. It is more sensitive and specific than creatine kinase for cardiac muscle but may be falsely elevated in patients with kidney dysfunction.
12-lead EKGThe practitioner should look for signs of acute ischemia, such as ST-segment elevation or depression, arrhythmias, and conduction delays. An EKG is minimally helpful in diagnosing pericarditis except in the case of cardiac tamponade or constrictive pericarditis where decreased amplitude may be seen.
ImagingStudies such as computed tomography (CT) scan, electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan can assist in diagnosing CAD, aortic aneurysms, cardiac masses, myocardial disease, and pericardial disease.