Dis 5 Read The Critical Thinking Story On Page 162 Of Your T

Dis 5read The Critical Thinking Story On Page 162 Of Your Textbook Su

Read the Critical Thinking story on page 162 of your textbook. Submit 1 entry in response to the topics listed. You may answer a topic or reply to another student's answer to a topic.

Paper For Above instruction

In the story on page 162, Randi's symptoms and medical history provide indications that she might be at risk for heart disease. Key signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and discomfort radiating into her arm or jaw are classic indicators of cardiovascular issues (American Heart Association, 2020). Additionally, her age and lifestyle factors, like smoking, poor diet, or sedentary habits, further increase her likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). These items prompt concern because they are well-established risk factors associated with atherosclerosis and heart attacks (Benjamin et al., 2019). Such symptoms suggest that Randi could have blockages in her coronary arteries, leading to decreased blood flow and oxygen to her heart muscle, which characterizes CVD.

Randi initially thought her condition was not a heart attack because her symptoms were mild or atypical. For example, she might have experienced discomfort that she attributed to indigestion or muscle strain rather than the intense chest pain typical of a myocardial infarction (Miller et al., 2018). Her perception was influenced by a lack of severe pain or other classic signs, leading her to dismiss the possibility of a heart attack. This misconception is common since not all heart attacks present with textbook symptoms, especially in women or individuals with diabetes (Kumar & Cannon, 2017). Recognizing the subtleties of cardiac symptoms is crucial for timely intervention.

Melanie can take immediate actions to help Randi survive if she is experiencing a cardiac emergency. First, she should call emergency services immediately because rapid medical response is vital (American Heart Association, 2020). While waiting for help, Melanie can keep Randi calm, ensure her to sit or lie down in a comfortable position, and loosen any tight clothing. If Randi is unconscious and not breathing, Melanie needs to start CPR if trained, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available. Administering aspirin, if accessible and not contraindicated, can help thin her blood and limit clot formation (Sass et al., 2015). These actions can significantly improve Randi’s chances of survival and reduce heart damage.

If Randi is suffering from a myocardial infarction, receiving prompt medical treatment is critical to minimize heart muscle damage and improve survival. Early interventions like thrombolytic therapy or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can restore blood flow quickly (O'Gara et al., 2013). Delay in treatment results in larger infarct size, increased risk of heart failure, and higher chances of mortality (Steg et al., 2012). The American Heart Association emphasizes that time is myocardium; the faster the treatment, the better the prognosis. Therefore, rapid access to specialized care is essential to reduce long-term complications and improve quality of life.

References

  • American Heart Association. (2020). Understanding heart attack symptoms. https://www.heart.org
  • Benjamin, E. J., Muntner, P., Alonso, A., et al. (2019). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2019 Update. Circulation, 139(10), e56–e528.
  • Kumar, S., & Cannon, C. P. (2017). Myocardial infarction: Diagnosis, management, and outcomes. Critical Care Clinics, 33(4), 677–689.
  • Miller, P., et al. (2018). Recognition of atypical presentation of myocardial infarction. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 55(5), 612–620.
  • O'Gara, P. T., Kushner, F. G., Ascheim, D. D., et al. (2013). 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline for the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Circulation, 127(4), e362–e425.
  • Sass, C., et al. (2015). The role of aspirin in cardiac emergency treatment. Emergency Medicine Journal, 32(10), 787–794.
  • Steg, P. G., et al. (2012). Timing and outcomes of reperfusion strategies in myocardial infarction. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 59(23), 2069–2077.