What is the primary purpose of a 12-lead ECG in ACS patients?

The primary purpose of a 12-lead ECG in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is to assess heart rhythm and detect ischemia. This diagnostic tool provides a comprehensive view of the electrical activity of the heart from multiple angles, allowing healthcare providers to identify abnormalities in heart rhythm, as well as signs of myocardial ischemia or infarction.

The ECG can highlight ST-segment elevations or depressions, T-wave inversions, and other critical changes that indicate the presence of coronary artery blockage or inadequate blood flow to cardiac muscle. Early detection of these issues is crucial in managing ACS, as it can guide immediate treatment interventions, such as thrombolytics or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

The other choices do not align with the primary function of a 12-lead ECG. Evaluating blood glucose levels is done through blood tests, checking for respiratory distress involves clinical assessments such as auscultation and observation, and monitoring fluid balance requires measurement of intake and output alongside weight assessments. Each of these areas serves important roles in patient care but does not focus on the cardiac assessments critical in ACS.