A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. The client presents with symptoms and signs suggestive of acute coronary syndrome, including chest pain, tachycardia, and ECG changes (ST segment elevation and T wave changes). Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial injury. Cardiac catheterization is typically indicated in acute coronary syndrome to assess coronary artery anatomy and potentially perform interventions like angioplasty or stenting to restore blood flow to the heart muscle.
B. Continuous heparin infusion is commonly used in the management of acute coronary syndrome to prevent further clot formation and stabilize the condition. It helps in reducing the risk of thrombus formation in the coronary arteries, which is crucial in cases of myocardial infarction.
C. Ambulation is generally not recommended during the acute phase of myocardial infarction or unstable angina. The client's symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and diaphoresis, indicate ongoing cardiac compromise. Ambulation could potentially worsen the client's condition or lead to adverse events.
D. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand. While it is indicated in acute coronary syndrome to stabilize heart rate and reduce myocardial ischemia, increasing the dosage should be done cautiously and based on the client's response to initial therapy.
E. NPO status is typically indicated for clients undergoing procedures that require sedation or anesthesia, such as cardiac catheterization. It ensures the client's stomach is empty to reduce the risk of aspiration during the procedure. Given the potential need for cardiac catheterization in this client, obtaining a prescription for NPO status would be appropriate to prepare for the procedure and ensure safety.
F. Antibiotics are not routinely indicated in the management of acute coronary syndrome unless there is evidence of concomitant infection or specific clinical indications (e.g., pneumonia). In the absence of signs or symptoms of infection, requesting an antibiotic prescription is not warranted based on the client's current presentation.

Metoprolol 5 mg every 2 to 3 min up to three doses

Nonessential: Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. However, in this scenario, the client already has a history of irregular heart rate and is currently tachycardic. Starting metoprolol at this frequency and dose without knowing the client's response or stability could exacerbate their condition. Therefore, it is considered nonessential until further assessment and stabilization.

Oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula

Anticipated: The client's oxygen saturation dropped to 89% at 1015 and improved to 92% with oxygen supplementation by 1200. Given the client's symptoms and fluctuating oxygen saturation, supplemental oxygen is necessary to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation and is anticipated to support respiratory function.

Draw electrolytes along with Hgb and Hct

Nonessential: While electrolyte levels (such as potassium) are important to monitor, they are not immediately critical in the management of acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina. They can be drawn later for comprehensive assessment but are not urgently needed in the acute phase of care.

Morphine 6 mg IV bolus every 3 hr as needed for pain

Anticipated: Morphine is indicated for managing severe pain, such as chest pain associated with myocardial infarction. The client reported significant chest pain (7/10 initially), and morphine is appropriate to alleviate discomfort and reduce myocardial oxygen demand.

Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL now may repeat every 5 min up to 3 doses

Anticipated: Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that helps relieve chest pain associated with angina or myocardial infarction by dilating coronary arteries. Given the client's chest pain and the protocol for administering nitroglycerin, it is anticipated to be effective in managing symptoms and improving coronary blood flow.

Obtain daily weight

Nonessential: Daily weight monitoring is useful for assessing fluid status in some conditions, but it is not immediately necessary in the acute management of myocardial infarction or unstable angina unless there are signs of fluid overload or heart failure, which are not evident in this case.

Atropine 0.5 mg IV bolus every 5 min up to 2 mg

Contraindicated: Atropine is used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate). However, the client in this scenario is tachycardic (rapid heart rate), and atropine would exacerbate this condition. Therefore, it is contraindicated and should not be administered.