Myocardial Infarction Vs Angina

Paper Summary:

This paper relates that evaluation of chest pain is possibly one of the most important elements of nursing assessment skills. The paper then provides an assessment of myocardial infarction versus angina and shows how discerning angina from a myocardial infarction is a difficult task, requiring the rapid use of evaluation skills as well as the prompt administration of treatment.

Outline:
Introduction
Clinical Paper
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Chest pain is notoriously difficult to assess. Depending on the signs and symptoms, findings on the ECG and lab results the management of the patient differs significantly. The classic presenting symptoms of a myocardial infarction (MI) is chest pain or discomfort. Angina pectoris may present the same way but will generally be of shorter duration. Both may be described as pain, pressure, tightness, heaviness, burning or squeezing. Both may radiate into arms, shoulders, jaw or back. Not all patients will have these classic symptoms."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Docherty, B. (2003). 12-lead ECG interpretation and chest pain management: 1. British Journal of Nursing, 12(21), 1248-1255.
• Harvey, S. (2004). The nursing assessment and management of patients with angina. British Journal of Nursing, 13(10), 598-601.
• Sommers, M & Johnson, S. (2002). Diseases and Disorders: A Nursing Therapeutics Manual (2nd Ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
• Tough, J. (2004). Assessment and treatment of chest pain. Nursing Standard, 18(37), 45-53.

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