To prepare for your NP exam, you will need to review high yield topics such as myocardial infarction. Review the topic and get started here with free FNP practice questions. Can you answer the following question:
What is the role of thrombolytics in the treatment of myocardial infarction?
Free FNP Practice Questions
Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, is when the heart muscle, or myocardium, is deprived of oxygen due to a coronary artery blockage in that area. This results in permanent damage to the heart muscle, which can lead to severe complications and even death. Myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Nursing responsibilities in cardiology
The heart needs blood which carries oxygen and nutrients, to function correctly. Coronary arteries provide the blood supply blood to the heart muscle. If a blockage occurs in one of these arteries, the portion of the heart muscle supplied by that artery will be deprived of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause the heart muscle to die. This condition is known as a myocardial infarction.
The most common cause of myocardial infarction is a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis involves the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and plaque in the blood vessels. The plaque narrows the coronary arteries and restricts blood flow, leading to the formation of blood clots that can completely block the blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle. Other factors contributing to myocardial infarction include high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, and a family history of heart disease.
The NP has primary role in assessment and diagnosis.. The symptoms of myocardial infarction can vary significantly from person to person and include “crushing chest pain,” chest tightness, moderate chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea and vomiting, and pain in other areas of the body such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back. If a patient experiences any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately, as prompt treatment can greatly improve the outcome.
STEMI nursing management
Diagnosis of myocardial infarction is typically based on history, EKG, and serum troponin level. The combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests is diagnostic. Electrocardiography (ECG) is a commonly used test that records the heart’s electrical activity and can help detect changes in heart rhythm, including STEMI and NSTEMI. Other adjunctive studies that may be used to diagnose myocardial infarction include echocardiography to visualize the heart and see any damage and coronary angiography to visualize the blood flow in the coronary arteries.Treatment of myocardial infarction involves a combination of medications, procedures, and lifestyle changes.
Cardiac catheterization and CABG
The goal of therapy is to restore blood flow to the damaged heart muscle, prevent further damage, and reduce the risk of future myocardial infarction. Medications used to treat myocardial infarction include aspirin to prevent blood clots, nitrates to improve blood flow, beta-blockers to slow the heart rate and reduce the workload on the heart, and statins to lower cholesterol levels. In some cases, procedures such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery may be required to restore blood flow to the heart. Angioplasty involves using a catheter to open a blocked coronary artery and restore blood flow. In contrast, coronary artery bypass surgery involves a surgical bypass using, for example, the saphenous vein or the mammary artery to bypass around the blocked artery to restore blood flow.
Nursing responsibilities cardiac care
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes are an important part of recovery for people who have experienced a myocardial infarction. Lifestyle changes can include adopting a healthy diet, quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, and managing stress. Regular follow-up appointments with a nurse practitioner are also important to monitor progress and ensure that any complications are detected and treated early. Myocardial infarction can have severe and long-lasting effects on a person’s health and quality of life.
Free FNP practice questions
1. Mr. Jones, a 52-year-old retired banker, has been experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain. He took nitroglycerin, and his chest pain persisted. What are the NP’s initial orders?
A) lorazepam 5 mg IV
B) troponin level
C) morphine 2-4 mg IV
D) healthy heart diet
2. Mrs. Smith, a 62-year-old retired teacher with a BMI of 28, had been feeling tired and short of breath for several months. She had a myocardial infarction (STEMI) 8 months ago. She visited her NP today, who diagnosed her with heart failure after conducting some tests. What is the most common cause of heart failure in this patient?
A) Smoking
B) Previous MI
C) Obesity
D) Alcoholism
3. Mrs. Smith’s NP discussed recommendations with the patient to help her heart pump more efficiently and recommended lifestyle changes. What orders do you expect to find on her medical record?
A) low-sodium diet
B) regular exercise
C) stress management
D) Digoxin po daily
4. Mrs. Barker is a 65-year-old retired nurse who suddenly experiences a crushing pain in her chest while shopping at the grocery store. Upon arrival at the hospital, she is diagnosed with a myocardial infarction and undergoes an angioplasty procedure to restore blood flow to her heart. What is the most common cause of a myocardial infarction?
A. Hypertension
B. Arrhythmia
C. Coronary artery disease
D. Pulmonary embolism
5. Mr. Johnson is a 55-year-old man with a history of high blood pressure and smoking. One day, he wakes up with a feeling of tightness in his chest and difficulty breathing. He is rushed to the emergency department where he is diagnosed with a myocardial infarction. What is the primary symptom of a myocardial infarction?
A. Nausea
B. Shortness of breath
C. Chest pain
D. Dizziness
6. Ms. Cobb is a 35-year-old woman who has always lived a healthy lifestyle, with regular exercise and a balanced diet. One day, she experiences sudden chest pain while out for a run. Which of the following factors is a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction?
A. Smoking
B. Lack of exercise
C. High blood pressure
D. All of the above
7. Dr. Parker is a 50-year-old man who has been feeling fatigued and short of breath for several days. He visits his NP, who orders an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests, which reveal evidence of a recent myocardial infarction. He is started on a regimen of medications, including beta-blockers and aspirin. What is the role of aspirin in the treatment of myocardial infarction?
A. To reduce inflammation
B. To lower blood pressure
C. To dissolve blood clots
D. To reduce the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction
8. Mr. White is a 72-year-old female who has a history of high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease. She experiences sudden chest pain while at home and is rushed to the hospital where she is diagnosed with a myocardial infarction. She undergoes a percutaneous coronary intervention and is started on a regimen of medications. Which of the following is NOT a medical management strategy for myocardial infarction?
A. Anti-platelet therapy
B. Thrombolytic therapy
C. Beta-blocker therapy
D. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
9. Mrs. Bates is a 40-year-old man who has been experiencing chest pain for several days. He visits his NP, who orders an ECG and blood tests. These test reveal evidence of a myocardial infarction. Despite prompt medical treatment, he experiences significant damage to his heart muscle. Which of the following is NOT a surgical intervention for myocardial infarction?
A. Coronary artery bypass surgery
B. Percutaneous coronary intervention
C. Valve replacement surgery
D. Lithotripsy
10. Ms. Greenfield is a 61-year-old woman with hypertension, diabetes and COPD, and renal insufficiency. One day, she experiences a myocardial infarction. She undergoes a thrombolytic therapy and is started on a regimen of medications, to reduce the risk of future coronary artery disease. What is the long-term prognosis for a patient who has had a myocardial infarction?
A. Full recovery
B. Chronic heart disease
C. Recurrent myocardial infarction
D. Death
Answers to free FNP practice questions
1. Answer: B. troponin level C. morphine 2-4 mg IV
2. Answer: B. Previous MI
3. Answer A. low-sodium diet B. regular exercise C. stress management D. Digoxin po daily
4. Answer: C. Coronary artery disease
5. Answer: C. Chest pain
6. Answer: D. All of the above
7. Answer: D. To reduce the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction
8. Answer: D. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
9. Answer: D. Lithotripsy
10. Answer: B. Chronic heart disease
Career Opportunities in Military Medicine
Free FNP Exam Questions
Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner requires passing a rigorous certification exam that measures the knowledge and skills of nurse practitioners in family medicine. Passing this exam is a critical step in demonstrating your proficiency and competency in your field as a nurse practitioner. It’s important to prepare thoroughly for the FNP exam by reviewing FNP study materials. To prepare for the nurse practitioner examination, it’s important to practice with a variety of study materials, such as practice questions and practice exams. These materials can help to reinforce key concepts and familiarize you with the format and structure of the actual exam. By taking practice exams, you can also identify areas where you need additional review and focus your studying accordingly.
AANP vs ANCC
There are several resources available for finding family nurse practitioner practice exams with test questions. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is the organization that offers certification for family nurse practitioners, and they offer a practice exam that closely mirrors the actual certification exam. The ANCC practice exam is available on their website. While practice exams are a tool for studying, they should not be relied upon as the sole method of preparation. It’s important to also review study materials, textbooks and your study guide to fully prepare for the certification exam.
