486 Myocardial Infarction Delays and Misdiagnoses and the LNC Jenna Gaines

Anyone familiar with cardiology knows that what laypeople know as a heart attack and professionals know as an EMI has many variations, any of which can be difficult to diagnose—and delay in diagnosis can lead further damage and possibly death.

An LNC who is working on a malpractice suit involving a client who has had an EMI needs to know what roles misdiagnosis and delays in treatment have played in creating a situation in which the standard of care can be questioned. Here to help us with detailed information is Jenna Gaines, a doctorally-qualified nurse practitioner who works in the area of cardiology.

She describes the tests generally given to a patient who presents with chest pain and how quickly, according to the standard of care, these tests should be administered. This is critical information for an LNC, as delays in this process can lead to further deterioration.

Jenna emphasizes that the most important information comes from the patient. He or she is the only one who can describe what’s going on in their bodies. The patient can answer key lifestyle questions about exercise patterns, diet, drug use, and stressful conditions in their lives.

This kind of information is especially critical because other conditions, such as panic attacks or musculoskeletal pain can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. Jenna lists some of these conditions.

This podcast is well worth listening to—and/or reading in transcript form—several times. It contains information that you must have for any case involving an EMI.

Join me in this episode of Legal Nurse Podcast to learn about Myocardial Infarction Delays and Misdiagnoses

  • What are the different kinds of EMIs?
  • What is the most important information for an EMI diagnosis?
  • What questions are most critical to ask the patient?
  • What are the time standards for diagnosing a suspected EMI?
  • How are EMIs misdiagnosed?

Related Product: Medical Record Analysis – a guide for attorneys

Now, with Medical Record Analysis: A Guide for Attorneys by Expert LNCs, you will have access to the collective analytical skills of LNCs specializing in a range of experience—including breaches of standard of care that don’t always show up in the medical records.

The authors of this book are experienced clinicians and legal nurse consultants who unlock tips for analyzing medical records for a broad array of issues.

Our authors work in various capacities – as expert witnesses, behind-the-scenes consultants, life care planners, risk managers, mediators, and quality assurance nurses.

The chapters in this book, all written by legal nurse consultants, contain clear language, are illustrated by case studies, and are designed to make the information memorable and easily understandable.


Your Presenter

I have been in nursing for about 15 years. As a RN, I obtained my degree from Seattle University. I have worked on a surgical step down unit, intensive care unit, post anesthesia care unit, and emergency department. I have also worked in 5 different states including Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and North Carolina. I obtained my master of science in nursing and my doctor of nursing practice degrees from University of Arizona. I have been working as a nurse practitioner in cardiology and in different subspecialties within cardiology for the past 5 years. Cardiology is a field I am passionate about and I feel fortunate to be able to care for this patient population.

Connect with Jenna at www.GainesLNC.com

Leave a Comment