A nurse is teaching a client who has Graves' disease about recognizing the manifestations of thyroid storm. Which of the following findings 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.

C. The blood pressure readings show significant variability (164/80 mm Hg at 1000, 176/82 mm Hg at 1015, and 110/62 mm Hg at 1200). These fluctuations, especially the higher readings, indicate potential instability and require close monitoring and possibly intervention.
D. The client's pain level is described as 7/10 initially (1000) and decreases to 5/10 after nitroglycerin (1200). Although the pain has decreased, ongoing assessment is necessary to ensure it does not worsen or change in nature.
E. The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) shows tachycardia with ST segment elevation and T wave changes, which are indicative of myocardial ischemia or infarction. This finding requires immediate attention as it suggests ongoing cardiac damage.
G. The troponin T level is elevated at 0.40 ng/mL (normal is less than 0.1 ng/mL). Troponin elevation indicates myocardial injury or infarction and confirms the seriousness of the cardiac event. This finding requires immediate attention to assess the extent of myocardial damage and guide further treatment.

Incorrect Choices
A. While it is slightly elevated, it is not significantly outside the normal range and does not suggest immediate danger or require urgent intervention in the context of the acute cardiac issue. However, monitoring blood glucose levels is important for overall management, especially in a client with diabetes mellitus.
B. The assessment of bowel sounds being present in all 4 quadrants is a normal finding and indicates normal gastrointestinal function. While bowel sounds are important for assessing gastrointestinal health, they are not immediately pertinent to the acute cardiac issue described in the scenario.
F. The nurse notes that lung sounds are clear to auscultation in all lobes, which is a normal finding. Clear lung sounds suggest normal respiratory function and do not require immediate attention in the context of the acute cardiac event described.