Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
STEMI represents complete coronary artery occlusion with transmural ischemia (full wall thickness), producing ST elevation on ECG. NSTEMI involves partial occlusion or complete occlusion with collateral flow, causing subendocardial ischemia with ST depression or T-wave inversion and elevated troponin. Connect STEMI/NSTEMI Algorithm to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.