Is the occlusion of one or more coronary arteries causing an area of necrosis in the myocardium.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Intense Chest pain, squeezing vise like tightness
• Burning, crushing and persistent pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Cold Extremities
• Anxiety and Perspiration

Management:

1. Give analgesics as ordered until pain is relieved.
2. Administer oxygen if needed.
3. Give sedative if necessary to promote rest.
4. Administer thrombolytic drugs as ordered.
5. Teach client to avoid Valsalva Maneuver.
6. Teach client ankle flexion exercise/
7. Give health teaching such as:

• decrease level of activity
• reduced calories if client is obese
• sodium restricted
• restrict cholesterol, fat and saturated fat
• increase potassium if necessary