The nurse is caring for a client admitted with unstable angina. The laboratory result for the initial troponin I is elevated in this client. The nurse should recognize what implication of this assessment finding?
This result indicates muscle injury but does not specify the source.
Because the client has a history of unstable angina, this is a poor indicator of myocardial injury.
This is only an accurate indicator of myocardial damage when it reaches its peak in 24 hours.
This is an accurate indicator of myocardial injury.
The Correct Answer is D
A. This result indicates muscle injury but does not specify the source.
This statement is partly correct. An elevated troponin I level does indicate muscle injury, specifically damage to the heart muscle. However, troponin I is highly specific to cardiac muscle, so an elevated level would indeed specify the source as cardiac or myocardial injury.
B. Because the client has a history of unstable angina, this is a poor indicator of myocardial injury.
This statement is incorrect. A history of unstable angina does not diminish the significance of an elevated troponin I level. In fact, unstable angina is itself a serious condition that can lead to myocardial injury or heart attack, and an elevated troponin I level in this context indicates ongoing or recent myocardial damage.
C. This is only an accurate indicator of myocardial damage when it reaches its peak in 24 hours.
This statement is not entirely accurate. While it is true that troponin I levels may continue to rise and peak within 12-24 hours after the onset of myocardial injury, an elevated troponin I level at any point is still a significant indicator of myocardial damage. It's essential to recognize elevated troponin I levels promptly to initiate appropriate interventions and monitor the client's cardiac status closely.
D. This is an accurate indicator of myocardial injury.
This statement is correct. An elevated troponin I level is a highly sensitive and specific marker of myocardial injury. It indicates damage to the heart muscle, which can occur due to conditions like unstable angina, heart attack (myocardial infarction), myocarditis, or other cardiac issues. Therefore, recognizing an elevated troponin I level in a client with unstable angina is crucial for proper management and further evaluation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The pain can be severe and sudden at rest: This statement is more characteristic of unstable angina, where chest pain can occur at rest or with minimal exertion and is often severe and unpredictable.
B. The pain persists with rest and organic nitrates: This statement is more indicative of unstable angina or variant (Prinzmetal's) angina. Stable angina typically improves with rest and nitroglycerin (an organic nitrate).
C. The pain usually lasts longer than 20 minutes: Stable angina pain typically lasts for a few minutes (usually less than 5 to 10 minutes) and resolves with rest or nitroglycerin. Pain lasting longer than 20 minutes may indicate an acute coronary syndrome such as unstable angina or myocardial infarction.
D. Exertion and anxiety can trigger the pain: This statement is accurate for stable angina. Exertion, such as physical activity or emotional stress, can trigger anginal pain in individuals with stable angina due to increased oxygen demand by the heart.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer aspirin:
Aspirin is commonly given to patients suspected of having a heart attack because it helps to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of further clot formation. However, the administration of aspirin typically follows the confirmation of a cardiac event through diagnostic tests like the ECG. Aspirin is not the initial priority compared to obtaining diagnostic data.
B. 12 Lead Electrocardiography (ECG):
This is the most critical and time-sensitive action because it helps to quickly assess the patient's cardiac status. A 12 Lead ECG can identify important findings such as ST-segment elevation or depression, which are indicative of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) or other cardiac abnormalities. Early detection and intervention are crucial in improving outcomes for patients with suspected cardiac events.
C. Assess vital signs:
Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, provide valuable information about the patient's overall condition and can help determine the severity of the cardiac event. While assessing vital signs is important, performing the ECG takes precedence due to its immediate relevance in diagnosing and managing a potential cardiac emergency.
D. Administer morphine:
Morphine may be indicated for pain relief in patients with acute coronary syndromes. However, its administration should be based on the patient's pain level, hemodynamic stability, and other factors assessed after obtaining the ECG and vital signs. Morphine administration is not the primary action within the first 10 minutes of the patient's arrival; it follows the initial assessment and diagnostic procedures.
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