Case Study: ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction, Nursing Care & Health

This case study focuses on a 54-year-old Greek man, Mr. Papas, who presents to the emergency department with central chest pain, diagnosed with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). The case study explores the patient's risk factors, including lack of exercise, smoking, and age, and their contribution to the development of STEMI. It details the pathophysiology of STEMI, contrasting it with non-STEMI, and explains the homeostatic mechanisms observed in the patient, such as clamminess, radiating pain, and pallor. The study outlines comprehensive nursing care, including pain assessment and management with morphine and aspirin, patient monitoring for deterioration, and the administration of oxygen and nitrates. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of health promotion strategies, including lifestyle modifications such as exercise, dietary changes, and smoking cessation, along with the need for referral to a coronary unit for further diagnostic tests and interventions. The study highlights the critical aspects of immediate medical management, including angioplasty and stent insertion, crucial for the patient's survival and long-term health.