American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What is the primary indication for PCI?

1. NSTEMI

2. Unstable angina

3. STEMI

4. Stable angina

The correct answer is: STEMI

The primary indication for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is STEMI, which stands for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. This type of heart attack is characterized by a complete blockage of a coronary artery, leading to significant damage to the heart muscle unless blood flow is quickly restored. PCI is performed to reopen the blocked artery, typically through the placement of a stent, to facilitate increased blood flow to the heart. In the context of STEMI, the timeliness of PCI is crucial; it is often referred to as the preferred treatment within the first few hours of symptom onset, as it can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with heart attacks. Other conditions like NSTEMI, unstable angina, and stable angina may also warrant treatment, but they are generally managed with different strategies initially, such as medical therapy or lifestyle modifications, unless they progress to more urgent situations requiring PCI.