Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

In a patient with anterior wall myocardial infarction, what finding is most likely?

1. Pulmonary embolism

2. Pulmonary edema

3. Severe asthma

4. Unstable angina

The correct answer is: Pulmonary edema

In the context of an anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI), the most likely finding is pulmonary edema. Anterior wall MIs, which typically involve the left coronary artery, can lead to impaired ventricular function, particularly affecting the left ventricle. This impairment can result in decreased cardiac output and increased pressure in the left atrium, subsequently leading to pulmonary congestion and edema due to fluid overload in the pulmonary circulation. The development of pulmonary edema is a significant concern after an anterior wall MI as it indicates that the heart is struggling to pump effectively. Patients may present with dyspnea, tachycardia, and crackles on auscultation due to this accumulation of fluid in the lungs, affecting their oxygenation and overall stability. Other findings like pulmonary embolism, severe asthma, or unstable angina do not have a direct linkage to the anatomical and physiological effects of an anterior wall MI in the same way. While they can occur in patients with cardiovascular disease, they are not as specific or prevalent as pulmonary edema, which directly relates to the heart's compromised function post-MI.