A nurse in an emergency department is planning care for a client who is having an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer after the initial acute phase to manage the client's pain and anxiety?

Aspiration is a common complication in patients with dysphagia post-stroke due to impaired swallowing reflexes, leading to food or liquid entering the lungs.

Choice B reason: Gastroesophageal reflux disease could be a concern but is not directly related to dysphagia post-stroke.

Choice C reason: Peptic ulcer disease is not typically a complication of dysphagia post-stroke.

Choice D reason: Dumping syndrome is related to rapid gastric emptying post-meal, not dysphagia post-stroke.

Title: Choice A reason: Liver enzymes Liver enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body. They include alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). High levels of liver enzymes in the blood can indicate liver disease. However, rheumatic endocarditis is a heart condition, not a liver condition. Therefore, while liver enzymes are important for diagnosing liver conditions, they would not assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.

Title: Choice B reason: Serum albumin Serum albumin is a type of protein that your liver and kidneys produce to help your body maintain fluid balance and function. Low or high albumin levels can indicate liver disease, kidney disease, or nutritional deficiency. However, rheumatic endocarditis is a heart condition, not a liver or kidney condition. Therefore, while serum albumin is important for diagnosing liver and kidney conditions, it would not assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.

Title: Choice C reason: Throat culture A throat culture is a lab test used to find and identify germs in the back of your mouth that are making you sick. It can diagnose infections like strep throat, gonorrhea, thrush, diphtheria, and pertussis. Rheumatic endocarditis is often caused by a streptococcal infection, which can be identified through a throat culture. Therefore, a throat culture would assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.

Title: Choice D reason: Arterial blood gases An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood as well as the pH balance in your blood. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions that affect your respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic systems. However, rheumatic endocarditis is a heart condition that is often caused by a bacterial infection. Therefore, while an ABG test is important for diagnosing conditions that affect your respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic systems, it would not assist in confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic endocarditis.