Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which complication is most frequently noted in a patient with anterior-wall STEMI?

1. Ventricular tachycardia

2. Bradycardia

3. Heart wall rupture

4. Ischemic stroke

The correct answer is: Ventricular tachycardia

In the context of anterior-wall STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction), the most frequently noted complication is ventricular tachycardia. Anterior-wall STEMIs typically involve ischemia and necrosis of the heart muscle supplied by the left anterior descending artery. This region of the heart is particularly prone to electrical disturbances due to the damage and stress placed on the myocardial tissue. As myocardial cells die, they can become irritable and predisposed to abnormal electrical activities, leading to arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia is a serious condition that can result from the structural and electrical changes in the heart caused by ischemia. It requires immediate medical attention, as it can progress to more dangerous arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. Understanding the risk of ventricular tachycardia in patients with anterior-wall STEMI is crucial for early recognition and intervention, significantly influencing patient outcomes when managed appropriately. The other complications noted in the list, while possible, do not occur with the same frequency as ventricular tachycardia in the aftermath of an anterior-wall STEMI.