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In which scenario should a patient be instructed to seek immediate medical care post-cardiac procedure?

  1. Experiencing mild discomfort at the incision site

  2. Feeling lightheaded after standing up

  3. Noticing increased swelling in the leg

  4. Having chest pain or shortness of breath

The correct answer is: Having chest pain or shortness of breath

The scenario in which a patient should be instructed to seek immediate medical care post-cardiac procedure involves having chest pain or shortness of breath. These symptoms can indicate serious complications such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or pulmonary embolism, both of which require urgent medical attention. Chest pain may stem from issues related to the heart's function or the integrity of the cardiovascular system after a procedure, while shortness of breath could signify respiratory distress or inadequate cardiac output. It's crucial for patients to be aware that these symptoms are not typical expected outcomes following cardiac interventions, and they warrant immediate assessment by healthcare professionals to determine the underlying cause and provide the necessary treatment.