Activity Snapshot

In the United States, between 1.2 and 1.5 million people suffer a myocardial infarction (MI) every year. And among MIs, anterior-wall MIs are the most serious and have the worst prognosis. Preventing death from MI is a matter of time. The patient needs to seek treatment quickly, and you need to act fast to recognize the signs and symptoms and intervene appropriately.

Objectives:

• Describe the signs and symptoms of anterior-wall myocardial infarction (MI).
• Recall the diagnostic techniques used to detect anterior-wall MI.
• Describe the medical management of anterior-wall MI.
• Discuss the nursing management of anterior-wall MI.

The American Nurses Association Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development