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Introduction/Abstract: The purpose of this
presentation is to provide the learner with the knowledge and tools to
assist in the assessment, diagnosis, evaluation and treatment options
for a patient presenting with chest pain.
In order to rapidly treat chest pain it is
necessary to identify priority symptoms, utilize subjective and
objective assessment skills and make an accurate diagnosis.
Differentiating between cardiac, muscular, gastric and pulmonary causes
of chest pain can be challenging.
This presentation is divided into two sections. The
first is focused on assessment. Discussing how to plan your interview
of the patient and sift through the history and symptoms. We will review
how to effectively ascertain the chief complaint, history of present
illness and past medical and family history. We will identify points to
consider in both your questioning and your physical assessment of the
patient. We will also review which special populations may need
additional consideration, including females, diabetics, elderly and
patients who have had previous cardiac surgery.
The second part of the presentation will be focused
on how to differentiate chest pain and discuss the various treatment
options for each of the potential diagnosis. This will include
understanding your assessment findings, and examining ECG, CXR,
laboratory and other tests that can be performed to assist in your
diagnosis. Finally we will explore the treatment options available for
some of the most frequently diagnosed causes of chest pain.
The
target audience is broad and beneficial to all healthcare
professionals, including physicians, advanced practice nurses or
physician assistants, and nurses. There are some references to
pharmacology (approximately 15% of the presentation has pharmacology
information). There are no prerequisites to this program.
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