Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common sign of a myocardial infarction?

1. Severe headache

2. Chest discomfort

3. High fever

4. Fatigue

The correct answer is: Chest discomfort

Chest discomfort is a common sign of a myocardial infarction, often referred to as a heart attack. This discomfort can manifest as feelings of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the chest area. It may also radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach. Recognizing chest discomfort is crucial because it indicates a potential blockage in the coronary arteries, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen and nutrients. While severe headache, high fever, and fatigue can occur in various medical conditions, they are not specifically indicative of myocardial infarction. Severe headaches might be related to migraines or other headaches disorders; high fever more commonly suggests infection or inflammation; and fatigue can result from numerous factors including stress, sleep disorders, or chronic illness, but none offer the same direct link to heart attack symptoms as chest discomfort. Therefore, understanding the characteristic signs of a myocardial infarction, particularly chest discomfort, is critical for timely intervention and management.