A 75-year-old male experiences severe chest pain and calls 911.
Given that lab findings indicate elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T, what condition does the nurse suspect?
Orthostatic hypotension.
Raynaud disease.
Angina.
Myocardial infarction (MI).
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down, would not typically cause severe chest pain or result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6.
Choice B rationale
Raynaud’s disease, a condition that causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers and toes — to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress, would not typically cause severe chest pain or result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6.
Choice C rationale
Angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, could cause severe chest pain, but it would not typically result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6. Elevated troponin levels are more indicative of damage to the heart muscle, which is not characteristic of angina.
Choice D rationale
A myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, could cause severe chest pain and would typically result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T7. Troponins are proteins found in the heart muscle, and levels can rise in the blood when there is damage to the heart, such as during an MI.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The symptoms described - tachycardia, severe dyspnea, diaphoresis, crackles, and profuse, frothy pink sputum - are indicative of acute pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs due to heart failure. In this situation, the Fowler’s position (sitting up at a 45-60 degree angle) with legs lowered is recommended. This position helps to reduce venous return to the heart, thereby decreasing the workload on the heart and helping to alleviate symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Homocysteine is an amino acid that your body uses to make protein and to build and maintain tissue. But too much homocysteine in your blood might increase your risk of heart disease.
However, it is not the most specific marker for AMI.
Choice B rationale
C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver and its level rises when there is inflammation in your body. While its level can increase in those with a heart attack, it is not the most specific marker for AMI6.
Choice C rationale
Myoglobin is a small protein that stores oxygen. It is measured occasionally. Myoglobin is sometimes measured in addition to troponin to help diagnose a heart attack. However, it is not as specific as cardiac-specific troponin.
Choice D rationale
Cardiac-specific troponin is a cardio-specific, highly sensitive marker for myocardial damage. The absolute cardiospecificity of cTnI allows the diagnosis of myocardial infarction distinct from muscle lesions and non-cardiac surgery.
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