A 75-year-old male experiences severe chest pain and calls 911.
Given that lab findings indicate elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T, what condition does the nurse suspect?
Orthostatic hypotension.
Raynaud disease.
Angina.
Myocardial infarction (MI).
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down, would not typically cause severe chest pain or result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6.
Choice B rationale
Raynaud’s disease, a condition that causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers and toes — to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress, would not typically cause severe chest pain or result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6.
Choice C rationale
Angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, could cause severe chest pain, but it would not typically result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6. Elevated troponin levels are more indicative of damage to the heart muscle, which is not characteristic of angina.
Choice D rationale
A myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, could cause severe chest pain and would typically result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T7. Troponins are proteins found in the heart muscle, and levels can rise in the blood when there is damage to the heart, such as during an MI.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic medication used to treat hypertension and edema. One of the side effects of furosemide is hypokalemia, or low potassium levels. A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is lower than the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L), which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Therefore, this observation is crucial to communicate to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Heberden’s nodes are bony swellings that occur at the distal interphalangeal finger joint, a sign of osteoarthritis. They are not associated with infective endocarditis (IE).
Choice B rationale
Bouchard’s nodes are similar to Heberden’s nodes but occur at the proximal interphalangeal finger joint. They are also a sign of osteoarthritis and not associated with IE.
Choice C rationale
Janeway lesions are flat, painless, red or purple spots on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. They are associated with IE and are caused by septic emboli which are small clots filled with bacteria. These emboli can lodge in small blood vessels, causing these characteristic lesions.
Choice D rationale
Tophi are hard, uric acid deposits under the skin. They are a sign of chronic gout, not IE.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
