Infarction

Definition

Infarction is the death (necrosis) of tissue resulting from inadequate blood supply, usually from arterial occlusion.

Common Types

• Myocardial infarction (MI): Heart muscle death from coronary artery occlusion.
• Cerebral infarction: Stroke from cerebrovascular occlusion.
• Pulmonary infarction: Lung tissue death from pulmonary embolism.
• Mesenteric infarction: Bowel ischemia. Abdominal pain out of proportion.
• Renal infarction: Flank pain, hematuria.

Recognition

Acute pain, organ-specific symptoms, elevated organ-specific markers (troponin, CK-MB, LDH). Time is tissue, such as rapid reperfusion (PCI, thrombolytics) saves function.

Nursing Interventions

Recognize symptoms early, activate emergency response, maintain perfusion, minimize oxygen demand, administer prescribed thrombolytics or antiplatelets, prepare for catheterization or surgical intervention, prevent complications.

NCLEX Relevance

MI priority: ECG, O2, aspirin, nitroglycerin, morphine, PCI. Door-to-balloon time less than 90 minutes.