The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with coronary artery disease who is admitted with intermittent chest pain. The admission laboratory results indicate elevations in troponin I and creatine phosphokinase myoglobin isoenzyme (CK-MB) levels.
What should the PN consider the most significant risk for this client on the second day of admission?
The lab results indicate myocardial damage, and the client is at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias
The client is at risk for pulmonary embolism, and lifestyle modifications need to be implemented.
The client is at risk for recurrent long-term angina pain and subsequent myocardial infarction (MI).
The lab results indicate risk factors for transient ischemic atack (TIA), and neurological vital signs should be monitored.
The Correct Answer is A
Troponin I and CK-MB are cardiac enzymes that are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is injured or necrotic. Elevated levels of these enzymes indicate that the client has suffered a myocardial infarction (MI) or heart atack. The damaged heart tissue can impair the electrical conduction system of the heart and cause abnormal heart rhythms or dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The PN should monitor the client's cardiac status closely and report any changes to the charge nurse.
The other options are not correct because:
- The client is not at risk for pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage of a pulmonary artery by a blood clot or other material. Pulmonary embolism does not cause elevated cardiac enzymes, but it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and hypoxia.
- The client is not at risk for recurrent long-term angina pain, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Angina pain does not cause elevated cardiac enzymes, but it can be a warning sign of an impending MI.
- The lab results do not indicate risk factors for transient ischemic atack (TIA), which is a temporary interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain due to a clot or plaque. TIA does not cause elevated cardiac enzymes, but it can cause neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level indicates impaired renal function, which can be caused by dehydration, infection, or nephrotoxic drugs. Chemotherapy can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of renal failure. The PN should report this finding to the charge nurse, as it may require fluid replacement, dose adjustment, or discontinuation of the chemotherapy.
The other options are not correct because:
- Periodic nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy that can be managed with antiemetics, hydration, and dietary modifications. They are not as urgent as a high BUN level.
- Decreased deep tendon reflexes may indicate hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, or peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by chemotherapy or other factors. They are not as urgent as a high BUN level.
- A platelet count of 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 10^9/L is slightly below the normal range, but not significantly low. Chemotherapy can cause thrombocytopenia, which increases the risk of bleeding. The PN should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, but this finding is not as urgent as a high BUN level.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- reapplying a sterile non-adhesive dressing is not enough to address the infection.
The nurse should also clean the wound, apply topical antimicrobial agents, and change the dressing regularly.
B) Incorrect- limiting visitors to immediate family only is not a sufficient infection control measure. The nurse should also use standard precautions, such as wearing gloves, gowns, masks,
and eye protection, and educate the visitors about hand hygiene and proper disposal of contaminated items.
C) Correct- Administering prescribed antibiotics is the most important action because it can help treat the infection and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people. MRSA is resistant to many common antibiotics, so it is essential to follow the prescription and monitor the client's response.
D) Incorrect- requesting a nutrition consult is not a priority action. While nutrition is important for wound healing, it does not directly affect the infection. The nurse should first administer antibiotics and then assess the client's nutritional status and needs.
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