Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Simulated
The nurse is performing intake interviews at a psychiatric clinic. A client with a known history of drug abuse reports having had a heart attack four years ago. Use of which substance places the client at highest risk for myocardial infarction?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Methamphetamine use is known to cause significant cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, and vasoconstriction, which can lead to myocardial infarction. Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to cardiovascular issues but is less potent than methamphetamine. Benzodiazepines primarily affect the central nervous system, not the cardiovascular system. Marijuana has cardiovascular effects but is generally less risky than methamphetamine.