CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

A patient has a known history of angina and is experiencing symptoms similar to a heart attack. What medication will likely be given to reduce the symptoms and treat this patient?

1. Aspirin

2. Nitroglycerine

3. Ibuprofen

4. Atorvastatin

The correct answer is: Nitroglycerine

The most likely medication to be given to a patient experiencing symptoms similar to a heart attack, especially with a history of angina, is nitroglycerine. Nitroglycerine is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the blood vessels, which decreases the workload on the heart and helps alleviate chest pain associated with angina and acute coronary syndromes. By dilating the coronary arteries, it improves blood flow to the heart muscle, which can be critical in managing acute symptoms and preventing further complications. Other options, while commonly used in different contexts, do not directly address the immediate relief of angina symptoms in the same manner. Aspirin is typically administered to reduce the risk of clot formation but does not relieve chest pain. Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used for pain relief and inflammation, making it less relevant for acute cardiac symptoms. Atorvastatin is primarily used for long-term cholesterol management and does not provide immediate symptom relief in acute coronary situations. Thus, nitroglycerine is the most appropriate choice for acute management in this scenario.