(Villines, 2017).
Patient is a 56 year old male who presented to the Emergency Department with severe chest pain stating that he believed he was experiencing a heart attack. Upon assessment, the patient has a low-grade fever of 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit which the patient reports has been present for the past 3 days and pain radiating to the neck, bilateral arms, and upper back area (also present for 3 days). The pain worsens as the patient inhales and exhales. Overall, the patient appears irritable and they report dyspnea and malaise. Friction rub is heard upon auscultation and patient is tachycardic. EKG ordered to rule out MI.
Past Medical History
- Recent MI – 1 week ago
- Hypertension – diagnosed at 53 y.o.
- Migraine headaches – diagnosed at 45 y.o.
- Asthma – diagnosed at 10 y.o.
Past Surgical History
- Wisdom teeth removal – age 21
Family History
- Father had a stroke at age 70, still living.
- Mother was diagnosed with coronary artery disease at age 60, still living
Social History
- CEO of corporate business, high stress occupation
- Not a smoker
- Drinks alcohol in moderation – mostly on the weekends