A nurse is evaluating a client who had a left-sided cardiac catheterization with an upper extremity insertion site.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice D rationale

Administering aspirin 325 orally is important for clients with a myocardial infarction (MI). Aspirin helps to inhibit platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of further clot formation and improving blood flow to the heart. This can significantly decrease mortality and complications associated with MI.

Choice E rationale

Applying oxygen via nasal cannula helps to increase oxygen delivery to the heart and other vital organs during an MI. Ensuring adequate oxygenation can help reduce the extent of myocardial injury and support overall cardiac function during a critical period.

Choice A rationale

Placing the client in a supine position is not appropriate during an MI, as it can increase discomfort and the workload on the heart. Instead, the client should be positioned in a semi-Fowler’s or comfortable position to improve breathing and comfort.

Choice B rationale

Administering morphine intramuscularly is not recommended during an MI. Morphine can be used for pain relief but should be given intravenously to ensure rapid onset and better control over dosing. Intramuscular administration is less effective and can delay pain relief.

Choice C rationale

Administering nitroglycerin subcutaneously is not appropriate. Nitroglycerin is typically given sublingually or intravenously during an MI to provide rapid vasodilation and pain relief. Subcutaneous administration is not effective in this context. .

Condition: Myocardial infarction.

2 actions:

Administer oxygen via nasal cannula 2 L/min,

Request a prescription for aspirin 325 mg.

2 parameters:

Vital signs,

Electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm.

Rationale for correct condition: A myocardial infarction is indicated by the elevated troponin levels and ST elevation on the ECG. The client’s symptoms of chest pain, elevated heart rate, and low oxygen saturation support this diagnosis. Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to minimize heart damage. The medical history of hypertension and coronary artery disease increases the likelihood. Immediate interventions can significantly improve outcomes.

Rationale for actions: Administer oxygen to improve oxygenation and reduce myocardial workload. Requesting aspirin helps prevent further clot formation. Morphine alleviates pain but may obscure symptoms, making it less urgent. Nitroglycerin relieves chest pain by vasodilation but is secondary. Verapamil is less immediate for acute myocardial infarction management. Vital signs reflect hemodynamic status and response to treatment. ECG rhythm detects ongoing ischemia or arrhythmias. Monitoring WBC count is less relevant acutely. Platelet count is stable; not the focus in immediate management.

Rationale for parameters: Vital signs ensure hemodynamic stability and detect hypotension or shock. ECG rhythm monitors arrhythmias and ongoing ischemia, critical in myocardial infarction. WBC count indicates infection or inflammation, less immediate concern. Platelet count is important for bleeding risks but less immediate. Chronic stable angina presents with predictable, non-severe pain. Ischemic stroke symptoms differ; focus on neurological deficits. Cardiogenic shock would present with more severe hypotension and signs of organ failure.