What does MONA therapy stand for in the context of myocardial infarction treatment?

• A. Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin
• B. Magnesium, Oxygen, Nifedipine, Amlodipine
• C. Monoclonal antibody therapy
• D. Massage, Oxygen, Naproxen, Antibiotic

Answer: (A)

MONA therapy is the classic initial approach to suspected myocardial infarction, aiming to rapidly relieve pain, improve oxygen delivery, reduce cardiac workload, and limit thrombosis. Morphine provides analgesia and helps blunt the sympathetic response to pain. Oxygen is given to improve myocardial oxygen delivery if the patient is hypoxic or in distress. Nitroglycerin dilates venous capacitance vessels, which lowers preload and myocardial oxygen demand while also helping relieve chest pain. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing further thrombus formation and growth. In modern practice, oxygen is used only if needed, morphine is given selectively, and nitrates are used with caution in cases like hypotension or suspected right‑sided infarction, but the mnemonic remains a helpful shorthand for these foundational concepts. The other options don’t fit MONA because they involve therapies or agents not part of this initial MI approach (calcium channel blockers, monoclonal antibodies, NSAIDs, antibiotics, or nontherapeutic measures).