The nurse is reviewing the chart of a client with an indication of myocardial infarction or unstable angina. Which laboratory test result(s) should the nurse recognize as an indication of myocardial injury? (Select all that apply)
Elevated troponins
Decreased homocysteine levels
Elevated CK-MB
Decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Increased platelet count
Correct Answer : A,C
Choice A: Elevated troponins. This is a correct answer. Troponins are proteins that regulate the myocardial contractile process². They are released into the bloodstream when the myocardial cells are damaged by ischemia or infarction². Troponins are highly specific and sensitive indicators of myocardial injury². The normal range for troponin I is less than 0.03 ng/mL and for troponin T is less than 0.01 ng/mL².
Choice B: Decreased homocysteine levels. This is not a correct answer. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is involved in the metabolism of methionine². Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but they are not a direct marker of myocardial injury². The normal range for homocysteine is 5 to 15 micromol/L².
Choice C: Elevated CK-MB. This is a correct answer. CK-MB is one of the isoenzymes of creatine kinase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of creatine to phosphocreatine, which is used for energy storage in the muscles². CK-MB is found mainly in the myocardium and is released into the blood when the myocardial cells are injured². CK-MB is a specific and sensitive marker of myocardial injury, but it is less specific than troponins². The normal range for CK-MB is 0 to 3 ng/mL².
Choice D: Decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP).This is not a correct answer. ALP is an enzyme that is found in various tissues, such as the liver, bone, intestine, and placenta². ALP is not a marker of myocardial injury, and its levels are not affected by ischemia or infarction². The normal range for ALP is 30 to 120 U/L².
Choice E: Increased platelet count.This is not a correct answer. Platelets are blood cells that are involved in hemostasis and clot formation². Increased platelet count, or thrombocytosis, can be a sign of inflammation, infection, malignancy, or other conditions². Platelet count is not a marker of myocardial injury, and it does not reflect the extent of ischemia or infarction². The normal range for platelet count is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood².
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. Tremors and twitching are signs of hypomagnesemia, which is a low level of magnesium in the blood. Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in many enzymatic reactions and neuromuscular functions. A low magnesium level can cause hyperexcitability of the nerves and muscles, leading to involuntary movements and spasms. Alcoholism can cause hypomagnesemia by reducing the absorption and increasing the excretion of magnesium.
Choice B reason: Positive Chvostek's sign is not a sign of hypomagnesemia, but of hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood. Calcium is another mineral that is important for the function of nerves and muscles. A low calcium level can cause tetany, which is a condition of sustained muscle contraction. Chvostek's sign is a test that involves tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear and observing for a twitching of the facial muscles. A positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia, not hypomagnesemia.
Choice C reason: Decreased deep tendon reflexes are not a sign of hypomagnesemia, but of hypermagnesemia, which is a high level of magnesium in the blood. A high magnesium level can cause hyporeflexia, which is a reduced or absent response to stimuli. Magnesium has a sedative effect on the nerves and muscles, and can inhibit the transmission of impulses. Hypermagnesemia can be caused by excessive intake or impaired excretion of magnesium.
Choice D reason: Polyuria and flank pain are not signs of hypomagnesemia, but of kidney problems, such as infection, stones, or failure. Polyuria is the production of abnormally large amounts of urine, and flank pain is the pain in the side or back below the ribs. These symptoms can indicate damage or inflammation of the kidneys, which can affect the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Hypomagnesemia does not directly cause polyuria or flank pain, but it can be a result of kidney dysfunction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Avoiding strenuous activity and standing up slowly is not a relevant response to the client's complaint of headache. These actions may help prevent or reduce orthostatic hypotension, which is another possible side effect of nitroglycerin, but not headache.
Choice B reason: Headache is expected and should subside with continued use is a correct and appropriate response to the client's complaint of headache. The nurse should explain that headache is a common and transient side effect of nitroglycerin, which is caused by the vasodilation effect of the drug. The nurse should also advise the client to take over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen, to relieve the headache.
Choice C reason: Reducing the dosage to help relieve this side effect is not a correct or appropriate response to the client's complaint of headache. The nurse should not suggest any changes in the prescribed dosage of nitroglycerin, as this may compromise the effectiveness of the drug and increase the risk of angina or myocardial infarction. The nurse should also remind the client to follow the instructions for applying and removing the Nitropatch.
Choice D reason: You will have this side effect as long as you are taking nitroglycerin is not a correct or appropriate response to the client's complaint of headache. The nurse should not discourage or alarm the client by implying that the headache is inevitable and permanent. The nurse should reassure the client that the headache will likely diminish over time as the body adapts to the drug.
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