The nurse is caring for client who presented to the emergency department for chest pain. The nurse knows that which of the following laboratory tests is most specific for myocardial damage?
Troponins I & T
Creatine Kinase
C Reactive Protein
Myoglobin
The Correct Answer is A
A. Troponins I & T:
Troponins I and T are the most specific biomarkers for myocardial damage. These proteins are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is injured, such as during a myocardial infarction (MI). Troponins remain elevated for a prolonged period (typically up to 1-2 weeks) after myocardial injury, making them highly sensitive for detecting both acute and recent myocardial damage. Because of their high specificity for heart muscle, they are considered the gold standard for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction.
B. Creatine Kinase:
Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. While CK-MB (the heart-specific isoenzyme) can be elevated in cases of myocardial damage, it is less specific than troponins because it can also be elevated due to skeletal muscle injury or other conditions. CK-MB levels rise more rapidly than troponins but return to baseline within 48-72 hours, making it less useful for detecting myocardial damage over a longer period.
C. C-Reactive Protein (CRP):
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammation or tissue injury. While CRP levels can be elevated in various inflammatory conditions, including atherosclerosis, it is not specific to myocardial damage. Elevated CRP is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events but does not provide specific information about acute myocardial injury, making it less helpful for diagnosing myocardial infarction.
D. Myoglobin:
Myoglobin is an oxygen-binding protein found in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. While it is an early marker that rises rapidly after muscle injury, it lacks specificity for myocardial damage because it is also released from skeletal muscle. Myoglobin levels peak quickly (within 1-4 hours of injury) and return to baseline within 24 hours, so it is not as useful for diagnosing a myocardial infarction or monitoring long-term cardiac injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Apply an ice pack for pain:
While ice might help with pain and swelling in some cases, the client’s symptoms suggest a serious circulation problem, possibly compartment syndrome or vascular injury. These symptoms indicate the need for immediate intervention to restore blood flow, not just pain relief.
B) Loosen any constricting bandages or braces:
The client’s symptoms are highly suggestive of impaired circulation, which could be caused by compartment syndrome) or a vascular injury. Loosening any constricting bandages or braces is crucial to restoring circulation to the affected limb. Immediate action to relieve pressure is necessary to prevent permanent damage.
C) Document and continue to monitor:
Documenting and continuing to monitor without immediate action is inappropriate. The client’s symptoms represent a potential emergency, and delaying intervention could lead to irreversible damage to the limb. Immediate action is required to prevent complications like tissue necrosis or loss of limb function.
D) Elevate the extremity:
Elevating the extremity is not appropriate in this situation, as it may worsen circulation to the affected limb. Elevation could reduce venous return, further compromising blood flow to the area. Instead, immediate action to relieve pressure and improve circulation is the priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "HDL cholesterol 60 mg/dL":
This is not a risk factor. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL is considered protective against cardiovascular disease, as higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
B) "Total cholesterol 210 mg/dL":
This is not a significant risk factor on its own. While total cholesterol above 200 mg/dL is a general indicator for cardiovascular risk, it is not as important as the breakdown of individual lipid components (HDL, LDL). A total cholesterol of 210 mg/dL is only slightly above the ideal less than 200 mg/dL, and on its own, it is not a strong indicator of increased cardiovascular risk without considering other factors like LDL and HDL levels.
C) "LDL cholesterol 110 mg/dL":
. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as "bad cholesterol" because it can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk for atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. An LDL level of 110 mg/dL is considered to be above optimal. For individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, the target LDL cholesterol level is usually less than 100 mg/dL, and for those with high risk, it may be less than 70 mg/dL. Therefore, this level of LDL cholesterol places the client at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
D) "Hgb A1C 5.3%":
This is not a risk factor. An Hgb A1C of 5.3% is within the normal range for glycemic control. The American Diabetes Association defines normal A1C as below 5.7%. A1C levels between 5.7% and 6.4% are considered pre-diabetes, and a level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. A normal A1C level indicates no significant elevated blood glucose, which would be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
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