Question

It is morning on the cardiac unit where you work, and you are getting a new patient with a diagnosis of angina. G.P. is a 60 year old retired business women, who is married and has 3 grown children. A cardiac catheterization was done several years ago that revealed 50% stenosis of the right coronary artery (RCA) and 50% stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery.

1. Upon admission to the unit, what are some questions that you will want to ask G.P.?

2. G.P. tells you that she takes atorvastatin once a day. What is atorvastatin? Why would G.P. be prescribed atorvastatin?

3. G.P. tells you that she takes a baby aspirin 81 mg/daily. Why would G.P. be prescribed an aspirin?

4. When you are discussing your findings with G.P.'s physician he states that the "chest pain" G.P. is experiencing is probably all in "her head". Would you respond to his comment? If so what would you say?

Answer 1

ANSWER.

1. Questions that you will want to ask G.P

        * When you begin to feel chest pain and describe more about

           your chest pain?

        * Are you taking any drugs for cardiac and other problems ?

        * Do you have any family history of cardiovascular disease?

        * Describe about your diet ?

        * Are you a smoker or alcoholic person ?

        * Are you doing any type of physical activity ?

2. Atorvastatin is a antihypercholestrolemic medication which help to

    decrease LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides level in the body.

   * Atorvastatin prescribed to G.P for reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases

   associated with hypercholestrolemia.(increased level of cholesterol level in

   the blood).

3. Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug which is used to prevent atherosclerotic cardio

    vascular problems and thrombus formation in the blood vessels.

* Aspirin prescribed to G.P for reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases associated

    with atheroscleosis or thrombus formation in the coronary vessels.

4. Physicians statement about G.P probably true because stress is an important factor

    to develop or aggravate heart problems .

    Anxiety or stress in a patient can increase fear about chances of developing

    a heart problem which result in stimulation of stress responses and it lead to

    chest pain.