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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Decreased afterload due to vasodilation is not the primary cause of hypotension in acute myocardial infarction. While vasodilation can lower blood pressure, in the context of MI, the more direct and significant cause of hypotension is the reduced cardiac contractility leading to decreased cardiac output. Vasodilation and afterload reduction are not the primary mechanisms in this scenario.
Choice B reason:
A rapid heart rate, or tachycardia, can contribute to hypotension by reducing the time for the heart to fill with blood between beats. However, in the context of an acute myocardial infarction, the primary issue is the heart's ability to contract effectively. Therefore, while a rapid heart rate might exacerbate the condition, it is not the main cause of hypotension.
Choice C reason:
Decreased cardiac contractility, resulting in decreased cardiac output, is the primary cause of hypotension in acute myocardial infarction. The damaged heart muscle cannot pump effectively, leading to reduced blood flow and low blood pressure. This is a direct consequence of the myocardial damage caused by the infarction, making this the correct answer.
Choice D reason:
Increased capillary permeability is not a primary cause of hypotension in acute myocardial infarction. This condition is more associated with inflammatory responses, sepsis, or allergic reactions. The main cause of hypotension in MI is related to the heart's reduced pumping ability.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding high-fat foods is appropriate advice. Statins are more effective when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. This helps in managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Choice B reason:
The statement that muscle pain is not concerning with statin use is inappropriate. Muscle pain can be a significant side effect of statins, known as myopathy, and in rare cases, it can lead to a more severe condition called rhabdomyolysis. Patients experiencing muscle pain should report it to their healthcare provider for evaluation and management.
Choice C reason:
Statins do reduce the risk of coronary events in people with diabetes and slightly elevated LDL levels. This is well-documented and an appropriate part of patient education, as statins are beneficial in preventing cardiovascular events in at-risk populations.
Choice D reason:
Statin use can cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, including nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. This information should be part of patient education so that patients are aware of potential side effects and can manage them appropriately.
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