Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which characteristic is NOT typical of myocardial chest pain due to angina?

1. discomfort precipitated by exercise

2. discomfort described as pressure or tightness

3. discomfort relieved with rest or nitroglycerin

4. pain that is intermittent and comes and goes

The correct answer is: pain that is intermittent and comes and goes

Myocardial chest pain associated with angina typically presents with distinct characteristics that help differentiate it from other types of chest pain. The key characteristics of angina include discomfort that is often precipitated by physical activity or emotional stress, a sensation that is commonly described as pressure or tightness, and relief of discomfort with rest or the administration of nitroglycerin. The aspect of pain being intermittent and coming and going is not typical for angina. Instead, angina often presents as a consistent pattern during exertion or stress, rather than fluctuating unpredictably. This more stable and predictable nature of angina symptoms, as opposed to intermittent pain, is what makes it distinctive from other forms of chest pain that may vary in intensity and frequency. Understanding these characteristics aids healthcare professionals in assessing and managing patients presenting with chest pain, ultimately leading to more effective treatment strategies for angina and other cardiac conditions.