A nurse is teaching a group of young adult clients about risk factors for hearing loss. Which of the following factors should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

Echocardiogram results would provide information about the structure and function of the heart, particularly regarding any changes in cardiac function or wall motion abnormalities that might have been detected during the acute phase. It does indicate signs of improvement.
B. Blood pressure is an important vital sign that reflects cardiovascular status. In the context of acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction, a stable or improving blood pressure indicates adequate perfusion to vital organs, including the heart. A decrease in blood pressure from hypertensive levels seen earlier could indicate stabilization of the client's condition.
C. Urinary output is a critical indicator of renal perfusion and function. During acute illness, including cardiac events, decreased urinary output can indicate poor perfusion due to decreased cardiac output or hypoperfusion. In this scenario the output is still inadequate.
D. Pain level, specifically chest pain in the context of acute coronary syndrome, is a subjective indicator of the client's cardiac status. A reduction in pain intensity, as reported by the client, can indicate that the treatment, such as nitroglycerin for angina, is effective in relieving myocardial ischemia. Therefore, a decrease in pain level suggests improvement in the client's cardiac condition.
E. Respiratory rate is another vital sign that reflects the client's respiratory effort and overall respiratory status. In the context of acute cardiac events, respiratory rate can increase due to pain, anxiety, or respiratory distress. A decrease in respiratory rate suggests improved respiratory comfort and potentially reduced cardiac workload, indicating improvement in the client's condition.
F. Heart rate is a crucial vital sign that reflects cardiac workload and rhythm. In acute coronary syndrome, tachycardia is often present due to sympathetic stimulation and the body's response to myocardial ischemia. A decrease in heart rate suggests that the client's cardiac workload has decreased, possibly indicating improved myocardial perfusion and stability.
G. Oxygen saturation reflects the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the blood, which is essential for tissue oxygenation. In acute cardiac events, hypoxemia can occur due to impaired cardiac function or respiratory compromise. Improvement in oxygen saturation indicates improved tissue oxygenation, possibly due to effective management of cardiac function or respiratory support.

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.