You are caring for a 77-year-old patient who was admitted to your unit with vital fatigue and shortness of breath. What could be a presumptive diagnosis for this client?
A) Acute MI
B) Acute coronary syndrome
C) Chronic coronary syndrome
D) Syncope
Ans: B
Feedback: Neuropathies in elderly patients and those with diabetes may prevent these patients from experiencing pain or discomfort associated with myocardial ischemia. Instead they may report vital fatigue or shortness of breath. In some patients, ACS may be asymptomatic, which is referred to as silent ischemia. Even in the elderly, an acute MI would present with symptoms different from what is presented in this scenario. There is chronic heart disease but not chronic coronary syndrome. Nowhere in the scenario is there an indication of syncope in this patient.
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