Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) during pregnancy occurs approximately once in 10,000 pregnancies. The normal cardiovascular alterations associated with pregnancy may make the diagnosis of MI difficult. Nursing care focuses on astute assessment skills, provision of adequate oxygenation, and prolongation of the healing phase to prepare for the stress of delivery. Nurses caring for patients experiencing MI during the perinatal period require advanced cognitive knowledge and clinical skills to facilitate optimal maternal and fetal outcome.