Problem: If a 70-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for evaluation of a syncopal episode. She states that most recently, she has experienced generalized malaise, increased shortness of breath while at rest, and dyspnea followed by periods of apnea and syncope. On clinical examination, the patient's radial pulse was found to be irregular, and the EKG showed uncontrolled atrial fibrillation with evidence of a recent myocardial infarction (MI).
1. If you were the healthcare provider having contact with this woman (either to draw blood, take vital signs, or complete an x-ray), what would you consider the most important in your approach to her?
2. If this woman asked you, "Am I having a heart attack?" how would you respond?