Computer-Based Learning Module2015 Edition

A cknowledgingC hest PainS aves Lives

Every 36 seconds, someone dies from

heart attack and blood vessel disease

A coronary attack (heart attack) occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.

Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Attack include, but are not limited to:

•Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back•Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach

Signs & Symptoms of a Heart Attack include, but are not limited to:

•Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort•Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness•Women often present with atypical symptoms such as fatigue and indigestion. They will report pain in the shoulder, neck and/or shoulder.

•Notify the Charge Nurse and the patient’s primary physician.•Follow unit protocol for management of Chest Pain.•Place the patient on O2 @ 2L/NC and obtain a STAT 12 lead EKG (do this w/in 5min of onset of pain)•Place patient on EKG monitor and document Vital Signs every 5 minutes until additional orders received.•If symptoms worsen, activate Rapid Response team:

• Rapid Response nurses are trained to identify a potential STEMI and can quickly activate the

STEMI team

•Call Rapid Response/House Supervisor and notify Charge Nurse.•Assist individual into Wheelchair if possible. Explain to visitor and any family that treatment in ED is indicated and ask if they would allow us to take them for evaluation.

Be aware! Age is not a defining factor to rule out Acute Coronary Syndrome. This gentleman had a family history of heart disease and was a smoker. Not all patients will present with typical symptoms.

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Lesson learned: Not all females present with typical symptoms reflective of Acute Coronary syndrome.

This patient was discharged to home 4 days later. Had she ignored the symptoms, she would be a statistic.

The following are ways to prevent a heart attack:

•Don’t smoke, and avoid other people’s tobacco smoke•Treat high blood pressure if you have it•Eat a healthy diet that’s low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt•Exercise at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week

The following are ways to prevent a heart attack:

•Keep your weight in the normal range•See your doctor for regular check-ups•Take your medicines exactly as prescribed•Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes

Time = Muscle

Good Shepherd Medical Center was designated as a Chest Pain w/PCI Center in August 2010.

As part of our designation requirements, all hospital staff, both clinical and ancillary staff receive annual education regarding Early Heart Attack Care along with recognition of signs/symptoms and management of risk factors.

Remember, it isn’t just our patients we treat, it could be visitors, family members, or other staff members, or even ourselves.

Early recognition is the key….. Time = Muscle.