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
Choice A rationale
Prolonged PR intervals occur with first-degree AV block, not typically with pericarditis.
Choice B rationale
Clubbing of the fingers is a loss of the normal angle between the base of the nail and the skin. This finding can be found in endocarditis, congenital defects, and/or prolonged oxygen deficiency. It is not a typical manifestation of pericarditis.
Choice C rationale
Widened pulse pressure occurs with valvular heart disease, not typically with pericarditis.
Choice D rationale
Pulsus paradoxus is a sign of cardiac tamponade, a serious complication of pericarditis. As the compression of the heart increases, decreased left atrial filling decreases cardiac output.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Adenosine Adenosine is a naturally occurring substance that relaxes and dilates blood vessels. It also affects the electrical activity of the heart. Adenosine is used to help restore normal heartbeats in people with certain heart rhythm disorders. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.
Choice B rationale: Diltiazem Diltiazem belongs to a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Diltiazem also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. It is used in adults alone or in combination with other medications to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or symptoms of angina (chest pain). Diltiazem injection is used in adults to treat certain heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation.
Choice C rationale: Atropine Atropine is a tropane alkaloid and anticholinergic medication used to treat certain types of nerve agent and pesticide poisonings as well as some types of slow heart rate, and to decrease saliva production during surgery. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.
Choice D rationale: Captopril Captopril is used in adults alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure.
Captopril is also used to improve survival and reduce the risk of heart failure after a heart attack in patients with a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the walls of the left side of the heart)4. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.
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