A client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis is scheduled for a terminal ileostomy.
The nurse is aware the stoma will be in what area of the client's abdomen?

Choice A rationale

A complete blood count (CBC) can provide general information about the body's response to an MI, such as white blood cell count, but it is not definitive for diagnosing an MI.

Choice B rationale

A lipid profile measures cholesterol levels and helps assess cardiovascular risk, but it is not useful for diagnosing an acute MI.

Choice C rationale

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is essential for diagnosing an MI as it shows the heart's electrical activity and can indicate ischemia or infarction.

Choice D rationale

Troponin levels are the most specific and sensitive markers for myocardial infarction. Elevated troponin levels confirm heart muscle damage due to an MI, making it the definitive test.

Choice C rationale

Administering another nitroglycerin tablet is appropriate if the client's chest pain has not been fully relieved after the initial dose. Nitroglycerin helps to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and relieving angina. A second dose can be given if the pain persists, following the protocol for managing chest pain.

Choice A rationale

Obtaining an ECG is important for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac conditions; however, in this immediate context, further pain relief takes precedence. After ensuring pain relief, an ECG can be performed to assess the client's cardiac status.

Choice B rationale

Calling the Rapid Response Team is unnecessary if the client’s chest pain severity has already decreased. The priority should be to continue managing the chest pain with additional nitroglycerin if needed and monitoring the client's response.

Choice D rationale

Initiating a peripheral IV might be required for administering medications or fluids, but it is not the immediate action needed in this scenario. The priority is to provide additional pain relief with nitroglycerin.