A 56-year-old overweight woman presents to the emergency department complaining of

severe pain in her lower jaw and neck that has developed over the past hour. The pain is
not sharp, and it is not relieved by rest or by changes in position. She took Ibuprofen
when the pain started, but the medication provided no relief. She also complains of
nausea that began shortly before the onset of jaw and neck pain. On further questioning,
she admits to a “heavy feeling” in her chest, which she describes as squeezing or
crushing sensation. She is profusely diaphoretic.

1) List three (3) symptoms that the patient is complaining of?

The patient is complaining of severe pain in her lower jaw and neck, nausea, and a
"heavy feeling" in her chest.

2) What is the significance of these symptoms?

These symptoms could be indicative of a heart attack. It's important for the patient
to seek immediate medical attention.

3) The patient states that she took Ibuprofen when the pain in her chest started. What
better choice of OTC (over the counter) medicine should the patient have taken and
why?

Instead of Ibuprofen, the patient should have taken aspirin as an over-the-counter

medicine when experiencing symptoms of a possible heart attack. Aspirin helps to
reduce blood clotting, which can be beneficial during a cardiac event.

4) What does it mean when a patient is “profusely diaphoretic”? Why is this significant?

"Profusely diaphoretic" means that the patient is sweating excessively. This is

significant because profuse sweating can be a sign of a serious medical condition,
such as a heart attack. It indicates that the body is under significant stress and
requires immediate medical attention.

5) Based on the information provided, what do you feel the patient's vital signs would
be and why?

Vital Sign Normal Range

Temperature 97℉ - 99℉
Pulse 60-100
Respiration 12-20
Blood Pressure 120/80

a. Temperature
b. Pulse
c. Respiration
d. Blood Pressure
6. If you were the ER physician, based upon the patient’s symptoms, what would you
think is wrong with this patient?

Based on the symptoms described, it's important for the patient to seek immediate
medical attention. The symptoms could be indicative of a heart attack, so it's crucial to
get a proper medical evaluation.

7. What do you feel is the cause of this disorder?

There are several potential causes for a heart attack, including blocked or narrowed
arteries due to plaque buildup. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional for an
accurate diagnosis.

8. If you were the ER physician, what tests would you order to help you identify a correct
diagnosis? Be sure to list the tests and briefly describe what they do.

As an ER physician, I would consider ordering tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG)

to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart, blood tests to check for cardiac enzymes
and markers, and a coronary angiography to visualize any blockages in the coronary
arteries. These tests can help in diagnosing a potential heart attack.

9. Based on your diagnosis, how would this disorder be treated?

If a heart attack is diagnosed, treatment options may include medications to relieve

symptoms and prevent further complications, such as blood thinners and nitroglycerin.
Procedures like angioplasty and stenting may be performed to restore blood flow to the
heart. In some cases, bypass surgery may be necessary. It's essential for the patient to
follow the recommendations of their healthcare provider for the most appropriate
treatment plan.

10. Health educators teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. If you were a
health educator, what guidelines would you give to individuals to help prevent this
disorder?

As a health educator, I would recommend adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle to help

prevent heart attacks. This includes:

1. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

2. Engaging in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-
intensity exercise per week.

3. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption.

4. Managing stress through techniques like exercise, relaxation, and mindfulness.

5. Maintaining a healthy weight and managing conditions like high blood pressure,
diabetes, and high cholesterol with regular check-ups and appropriate treatment.

Remember, these guidelines can help reduce the risk of heart attacks, but it's always
important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.