A Patient Is Recovering from a Severe Myocardial Infarction (MI)

question 17

Multiple Choice

A patient is recovering from a severe myocardial infarction (MI) . He tells his nurse, to whom he is very close, "I will be fine once I get home. All that 'watch your cholesterol, watch your calories, watch your stress' stuff is bull; if your time is up, your time is up." Which response would be most therapeutic?

• A) "You've had a very serious heart attack and are lucky to be getting a second chance that many don't get; what you do with it is up to you."
• B) "It sounds as if you would be just as happy with dying sooner as later. I wonder if those cute grandkids would feel the same way."
• C) "Well, when you are home you can do as you wish, but until then you are on a low-sodium, low-fat diet and will be walking 30 minutes per shift."
• D) "Research has shown that diet changes and stress control can at least double how long a person lives after a heart attack like yours."

---

Definitions:

Mood Disorders

A category of mental disorders involving persistent disturbances in mood, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

Substance Abuse

The injurious or perilous utilization of substances that affect mental processes, including alcohol and unauthorized drugs.

United States

A country located primarily in North America, comprising 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various possessions.

Mood Disorders

A category of mental health disorders where a person’s mood is consistently inappropriate or fluctuates extremely, affecting their daily functioning.