Which electrocardiographic (ECG) change is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider when caring for a patient with chest pain?
a. Inverted P wave
b. Sinus tachycardia
c. ST-segment elevation
d. First-degree atrioventricular block
ANS: C
The patient is likely to be experiencing an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Immediate therapy with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic medication is indicated to minimize myocardial damage. The other ECG changes may also suggest a need for therapy, but not as rapidly.
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