A patient is admitted to the hospital with a myocardial infarction (MI). When assessing the patient for pain, the nurse is most likely to observe referred pain in what location?
Explanation
• Referred pain is pain that is felt in an area other than the stimulus.
• During a myocardial infarction, pain is commonly felt in the chest, but pain also refers (or radiates) to the left shoulder or arm, neck, or jaw.
• Women usually experience the same chest pain as
• Women are more likely than men to die from a heart attack.
• Sternal (chest) pain would not be considered referred pain, but rather primary pain during an acute MI.
• Pain in the head or left lower quadrant of the abdomen are not common locations for referred pain associated with a MI.