Which diagnostic tool is used to confirm a STEMI?

The diagnostic tool used to confirm a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) is the EKG. An EKG, or electrocardiogram, measures the electrical activity of the heart and is fundamental in diagnosing various cardiac issues. In the case of a STEMI, the EKG will show particular changes, such as ST-segment elevations, which are indicative of acute myocardial ischemia. This rapid identification of ST elevation allows for timely medical intervention, which is crucial to minimize heart tissue damage and improve patient outcomes.

The other options do not serve the specific purpose of confirming a STEMI. BNP levels can indicate heart failure but are not indicative of a STEMI diagnosis. A CT scan, while useful for imaging various conditions, is not the primary tool for diagnosing acute cardiac events like a STEMI. A VQ scan, primarily used to assess pulmonary embolism, does not provide the pertinent electrical activity data that an EKG does for confirming a myocardial infarction. Thus, the EKG is the primary and most effective tool for confirming STEMI in clinical practice.