NURS 6501: Week 6 Midterm Exam Question 60/ NURS-6501N Advanced Pathophysiology
  NURS 6501: MIDTERM EXAM: Please contact Assignment Samurai for help with NURS 6501: Midterm Exam or any other assignment. Email: assignmentsamurai@gmail.com   A patient presents with sudden chest pain, diaphoresis, and nausea. ECG shows ST-segment elevations consistent with inferior wall damage. Which coronary artery is most likely occluded in this patient? Group of answer choices
  • Left anterior descending artery (LAD)
  • Right coronary artery (RCA)
  • Left main coronary artery (LMCA)
  • Left circumflex artery (LCx)
  The correct answer is: Right coronary artery (RCA). Explanation: The inferior wall of the heart is primarily supplied by the right coronary artery (RCA) in most individuals. When the RCA is occluded, it can lead to damage to the inferior wall of the left ventricle, which is reflected in ST-segment elevations on an ECG, indicating acute myocardial infarction (MI) in that region. Here’s a breakdown of the coronary arteries and their areas of supply:
  1. Right coronary artery (RCA):
    • The RCA supplies the inferior wall of the left ventricle, as well as the right ventricle and parts of the posterior wall of the left ventricle.
    • An occlusion of the RCA typically results in an inferior wall MI, which corresponds with ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF.
  2. Left anterior descending artery (LAD):
    • The LAD primarily supplies the anterior wall of the left ventricle and the septum. Occlusion of the LAD causes an anterior wall MI, which typically shows ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V4.
  3. Left circumflex artery (LCx):
    • The LCx supplies the lateral wall of the left ventricle. Occlusion of the LCx can result in a lateral wall MI, with ST-segment elevations in leads I, aVL, V5, and V6.
  4. Left main coronary artery (LMCA):
    • The LMCA is the main trunk that branches into the LAD and LCx. Occlusion of the LMCA is a life-threatening condition but would typically cause widespread ischemia rather than isolated inferior wall damage.
Conclusion: The most likely occluded artery in this patient with inferior wall damage on ECG (ST-segment elevations in leads II, III, and aVF) is the right coronary artery (RCA).