A 75-year-old male has severe chest pain and dials 911. Lab tests at the hospital reveal elevated levels of cardiac troponin. Based upon the lab findings, the nurse suspects which of the following has occurred:

Left ventricular heart failure

Unstable angina

Myocardial infarction (MI)

Prinzmetal angina

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:
Left ventricular heart failure can cause severe chest pain and elevated cardiac enzymes but is not as directly associated with elevated cardiac troponin levels as a myocardial infarction. The presence of elevated troponin levels specifically indicates myocardial cell injury, which is most consistent with an MI.

Choice B reason:
Unstable angina involves chest pain that is not relieved by rest and may indicate a higher risk for an MI. However, it typically does not result in elevated cardiac troponin levels unless there is actual myocardial damage. Elevated troponin is a marker for myocardial infarction rather than just unstable angina.

Choice C reason:
Myocardial infarction (MI) is the correct answer. Elevated levels of cardiac troponin are a key indicator of myocardial infarction as they reflect heart muscle damage. The patient's severe chest pain and elevated troponin levels strongly suggest that an MI has occurred.

Choice D reason:
Prinzmetal angina, or variant angina, is characterized by chest pain caused by coronary artery spasms. While it can cause significant pain, it does not typically lead to elevated cardiac troponin levels unless it results in myocardial damage, which is less common than in an MI.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Telling the patient to stop taking the medication if they experience constipation is not appropriate. While side effects should be reported to the healthcare provider, discontinuing the medication without professional guidance can lead to inadequate management of cholesterol levels. The nurse should advise the patient to consult their provider about any side effects.

Choice B reason:
Continuing an exercise program to increase HDL serum levels is important advice. Regular physical activity is beneficial in raising HDL (good cholesterol) levels, which help reduce the risk of heart disease. Exercise complements the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications and supports overall cardiovascular health.

Choice C reason:
Stating that the medication will replace other interventions is incorrect. Cholesterol-lowering medications should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and weight management. These interventions work synergistically to improve lipid profiles and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Choice D reason:
Doubling the dose if a dose is missed is unsafe and not recommended. Patients should follow their prescribed dosing schedule and consult their healthcare provider for instructions if they miss a dose. Taking an extra dose can increase the risk of adverse effects and complications.

A. Arterial emboli from heart valve. B. Atherosclerosis. C. Idiopathic vasospasm. D. Venous emboli.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Arterial emboli from a heart valve are not the most common cause of myocardial ischemia. While emboli can obstruct blood flow and cause ischemia, they are a less common cause compared to atherosclerosis. Embolic events typically result from conditions like atrial fibrillation or valvular heart disease but do not account for the majority of myocardial ischemia cases.

Choice B reason:
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of myocardial ischemia. It involves the buildup of plaque within the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This condition is a leading cause of coronary artery disease and is responsible for the majority of myocardial ischemia cases.

Choice C reason:
Idiopathic vasospasm, although a cause of myocardial ischemia, is not as common as atherosclerosis. Vasospasm refers to the sudden constriction of a coronary artery, which can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. However, it accounts for a smaller percentage of ischemia cases compared to the widespread prevalence of atherosclerosis.

Choice D reason:
Venous emboli are typically associated with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, affecting the venous circulation rather than the coronary arteries. They do not commonly cause myocardial ischemia, which primarily involves the coronary arteries and arterial blockages.

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A 75-year-old male has severe chest pain and dials 911. Lab tests at the hospital reveal elevated levels of cardiac troponin. Based upon the lab findings, the nurse suspects which of the following has occurred:

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