Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What is the most common complication following a STEMI?

1. Ventricular septal rupture

2. Heart failure

3. Dysrhythmia

4. Ventricular wall rupture

The correct answer is: Dysrhythmia

The most common complication following a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) is dysrhythmia. This occurs because the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen during the infarction, leading to ischemic areas that can disrupt the normal electrical conduction pathways. As a result, patients are at a higher risk for arrhythmias, which can manifest as ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, or other abnormal heart rhythms. Dysrhythmias can occur immediately during the event or in the hours and days following a STEMI. They are particularly prevalent in the first 24 hours post-myocardial infarction, making continuous monitoring crucial in the acute care setting. While complications like heart failure, ventricular septal rupture, and ventricular wall rupture can occur following a STEMI, they are generally less common than dysrhythmias. Heart failure may develop over time as a result of long-standing damage to the heart muscle, and the mechanical complications, such as rupture of the septum or wall, are rarer and usually occur in more severe cases or in older patients with additional risk factors. Thus, dysrhythmias stand out as the primary concern in the immediate aftermath of a STEMI.