The nurse is caring for a client who is newly admitted with severe chest pain and suspected myocardial infarction. Which diagnostic blood test would be considered the most reliable and critical indicator of myocardial injury?
Troponin
Alkaline phosphatase
Creatine kinase
Myoglobin
The Correct Answer is A
A. Troponin: Troponin is the most specific and reliable biomarker for myocardial injury. Levels rise within 3-6 hours and remain elevated for days, providing diagnostic and prognostic information.
B. Alkaline phosphatase: This is related to liver and bone disorders, not cardiac events.
C. Creatine kinase (CK): While CK-MB is specific to cardiac tissue, it is less specific and remains elevated for a shorter period compared to troponin.
D. Myoglobin: Myoglobin is an early but nonspecific marker of muscle damage and is not as reliable for diagnosing myocardial injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Heart rate of 134 bpm. A heart rate of 134 bpm is expected during a cardiac stress test, as the goal is to increase the heart rate to a target range to evaluate cardiac function under stress.
B. Mild shortness of breath. Mild shortness of breath is a common response to exercise and is not an indication to stop the test unless it becomes severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like chest pain or cyanosis.
C. Three premature ventricular contractions in a row indicate a potential serious arrhythmia (ventricular tachycardia), which is a contraindication for continuing the stress test. This finding could place the client at risk for life-threatening cardiac events, such as ventricular fibrillation.
D. Blood pressure 152/88 mmHg. This is a slightly elevated but normal physiological response to exercise and does not warrant discontinuation of the test unless the blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels (e.g., >200/110 mmHg).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Document the finding and continue to monitor the client: A PR interval of 0.24 seconds indicates first-degree AV block, which is often asymptomatic and benign if vital signs are stable. No immediate intervention is required other than continued monitoring.
B. Prepare the client for temporary pacemaker insertion: Pacemakers are not indicated for asymptomatic first-degree AV block.
C. Notify the health care provider immediately and then administer epinephrine IV: This is unnecessary as the client is stable and shows no signs of hemodynamic compromise.
D. Administer atropine per agency bradycardia protocol and then notify the health care provider: Atropine is not required for a stable heart rate of 72 bpm.
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