Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

The medical term for chest pain, pressure, or discomfort is?

1. Atherosclerosis

2. Nitroglycerin

3. Hypertension

4. Angina pectoris

The correct answer is: Angina pectoris

Angina pectoris refers specifically to the sensation of chest pain, pressure, or discomfort that typically occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow and oxygen. This condition is often associated with coronary artery disease and is characterized by a feeling of tightness or squeezing in the chest. It may also radiate to the shoulders, neck, arms, or jaw. Understanding angina pectoris is crucial in the medical field, particularly for those in healthcare roles like nursing assistants, as it aids in recognizing potential cardiac issues and the need for further medical evaluation. In contrast, atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaques in the arteries, which may lead to reduced blood flow but does not specifically define the symptom of chest pain. Nitroglycerin is a medication used to relieve angina pectoris by dilating blood vessels, not a term that describes the condition itself. Hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure and is not indicative of chest pain or discomfort specifically. Therefore, angina pectoris is the correct term for chest pain or discomfort.