The nurse is instructing a patient about acute coronary syndrome. What will be included in these instructions? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply

Question

1. Fatty plaques develop in the coronary arteries.
2. Plaques in arteries limit the amount of blood that can flow through the heart vessels.
3. Plaque in coronary arteries can cause stable angina.
4. If a plaque ruptures, it can get into the general circulation.
5. Stable angina rarely progresses to unstable angina.

Answer 1

1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: This would be included when teaching about acute coronary syndrome.
Rationale 2: The growth of the atherosclerotic plaques narrows the vasculature, which then limits the blood flow and delivery of oxygen to the coronary muscle. This would be included when teaching about acute coronary syndrome.
Rationale 3: This buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries results in a less serious condition known as stable angina. This would be included when teaching about acute coronary syndrome.
Rationale 4: Rupture of a thin fibrous cap exposes the thrombogenic contents of the plaque into a patient's circulation. This would be included when teaching about acute coronary syndrome.
Rationale 5: This is incorrect. The fibrous cap over a plaque can rupture which can lead to occlusion of coronary vessels.