A 25-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department Due to Chest

question 265

Multiple Choice

A 25-year-old man comes to the emergency department due to chest heaviness and palpitations for the last 3 hours.  Over the past year, he has had similar episodes that resolved with deep breathing, but none lasted as long as this one.  The patient has no chronic medical conditions and takes no medications.  He does not use tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, or illicit drugs.  Blood pressure is 100/70 mm Hg, and pulse is 160/min and regular.  The neck is supple, the thyroid is normal, and there is no lymphadenopathy.  The lungs are clear to auscultation.  ECG is shown in the exhibit.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's symptoms?

• A)Abnormal conduction in areas of ischemic ventricular scarring
• B)Abnormal conduction through the atrioventricular node
• C)Atrial remodeling with ectopic foci in the pulmonary vein ostia
• D)Degeneration of the sinoatrial node
• E)Delayed repolarization of ventricular cardiomyocytes

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Definitions:

Traditional Antipsychotic

Medications used primarily to treat schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.

Side Effects

Unintended and often adverse effects that accompany the intended effects of a medication or treatment.

Antipsychotic Medication

Drugs used to manage psychosis, including symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disturbed thought processes, often prescribed in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Symptoms

Signs or indications of a condition or disease experienced by an individual, often leading to a diagnosis.