Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Which condition is indicated by chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and nausea?

1. Congestive heart failure

2. Myocardial infarction

3. Atrial flutter

4. Bradycardia

The correct answer is: Myocardial infarction

The condition indicated by chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and nausea is consistent with a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. This combination of symptoms is particularly alarming and aligns with how the body responds to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle, which can cause ischemia and result in tissue damage. Chest discomfort is typically a hallmark symptom, as it can present as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. Shortness of breath often accompanies this discomfort, reflecting the heart's inability to pump effectively or the overall stress the body experiences due to the heart's distress. Nausea can also be a significant symptom during a myocardial infarction, as the body may react to the stress or pain by triggering a vagal response, which can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. In contrast, while congestive heart failure may also present with shortness of breath, it more commonly includes symptoms like swelling in the legs and feet or fatigue, rather than the acute chest pain typically associated with myocardial infarction. Atrial flutter and bradycardia primarily involve alterations in heart rhythm and may not present with the same acute symptoms of chest discomfort and nausea.