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

Which treatment is indicated for unstable angina/NSTEMI?

1. Oral anticoagulants

2. Beta blockers (IV if needed)

3. Antipyretic medication

4. Antibiotics

The correct answer is: Beta blockers (IV if needed)

The treatment indicated for unstable angina/NSTEMI is the use of beta blockers, particularly intravenous (IV) administration if the patient's condition is critical. Beta blockers play a significant role in the management of ischemic heart disease, as they work by decreasing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and reducing myocardial oxygen demand. This helps to alleviate chest pain and may stabilize the patient's condition. Administering beta blockers can also help prevent further ischemic events and improve overall cardiac function. Using IV beta blockers enables rapid titration to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, making it particularly beneficial in acute settings. This approach is aligned with clinical guidelines, which recommend beta blockers for patients experiencing unstable angina/NSTEMI unless contraindications exist, such as hypotension or severe bradycardia. In contrast, while oral anticoagulants may be considered in broader scenarios involving anticoagulation to prevent thrombus formation, they are not the first-line treatment specifically aimed at addressing the immediate issues associated with unstable angina/NSTEMI. Antipyretic medications address fever, which is not a primary concern in these cardiac events, and antibiotics are not indicated unless there is evidence of an infection, as they do not act on the underlying cardiac issue of angina