🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 62-year-old male presents with acute onset substernal chest pain, radiating to his left arm, diaphoresis, and shortness of breath. ECG shows ST-segment elevations in leads II, III, aVF. He has no known allergies. What is the most appropriate initial management step for this patient?

A Administer intravenous furosemide.
B Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics.
C Administer aspirin, nitroglycerin, and arrange for emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
D Order a stat cardiac MRI.

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

This patient presents with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Initial management includes aspirin, nitroglycerin, and immediate reperfusion therapy, with primary PCI being preferred if available within guidelines to restore blood flow.

💡 Why is C) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A 62-year-old male presents with acute onset substernal chest pain, radiating to his left arm, diaphoresis, and shortness of breath. ECG shows ST-segment elevations in leads II, III, aVF. He has no known allergies. What is the most appropriate initial management step for this patient?" is Option C: Administer aspirin, nitroglycerin, and arrange for emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)..

The other options — A) Administer intravenous furosemide., B) Initiate broad-spectrum antibiotics., D) Order a stat cardiac MRI. — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: This patient presents with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Initial management includes aspirin, nitroglycerin, and immediate reperfusion therapy, with primary PCI being preferred if av…

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 3 – Clinical Management topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

Related USMLE Exam Prep Questions