A 75-year-old male has severe chest pain and dials 911. Lab tests at the hospital reveal elevated levels of cardiac troponin. Based upon the lab findings, the nurse suspects which of the following has occurred:
Left ventricular heart failure
Unstable angina
Myocardial infarction (MI)
Prinzmetal angina
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Left ventricular heart failure can cause severe chest pain and elevated cardiac enzymes but is not as directly associated with elevated cardiac troponin levels as a myocardial infarction. The presence of elevated troponin levels specifically indicates myocardial cell injury, which is most consistent with an MI.
Choice B reason:
Unstable angina involves chest pain that is not relieved by rest and may indicate a higher risk for an MI. However, it typically does not result in elevated cardiac troponin levels unless there is actual myocardial damage. Elevated troponin is a marker for myocardial infarction rather than just unstable angina.
Choice C reason:
Myocardial infarction (MI) is the correct answer. Elevated levels of cardiac troponin are a key indicator of myocardial infarction as they reflect heart muscle damage. The patient's severe chest pain and elevated troponin levels strongly suggest that an MI has occurred.
Choice D reason:
Prinzmetal angina, or variant angina, is characterized by chest pain caused by coronary artery spasms. While it can cause significant pain, it does not typically lead to elevated cardiac troponin levels unless it results in myocardial damage, which is less common than in an MI.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Bowel obstruction can cause abdominal pain, but it typically presents with symptoms such as vomiting, absence of bowel movements, and abdominal distention rather than localized right lower quadrant pain and rebound tenderness. Therefore, this choice is less likely.
Choice B reason:
Hepatitis usually presents with symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, and generalized abdominal discomfort rather than localized right lower quadrant pain with rebound tenderness. This makes hepatitis an unlikely diagnosis in this case.
Choice C reason:
Appendicitis is characterized by right lower quadrant pain, rebound tenderness, and low-grade fever, making it the most likely diagnosis for this patient. These symptoms are classic for appendicitis, a common surgical emergency in young adults.
Choice D reason:
Colon cancer can cause abdominal pain, but it is typically associated with older age, changes in bowel habits, and weight loss. The presentation of right lower quadrant pain and rebound tenderness with fever is not typical for colon cancer, making it an unlikely diagnosis in this young patient.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Amphotericin B is known to cause infusion reactions, including fever, chills, and rigors. These reactions are common and expected when administering this medication. Therefore, the statement that there is an infusion reaction to Amphotericin B is correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Choice B reason:
This choice is incorrect because infusions of Amphotericin B should not be administered rapidly. Rapid infusion can increase the risk of severe side effects and adverse reactions. The drug should be administered slowly to minimize these risks. Thus, this statement indicates a need for further teaching.
Choice C reason:
Rotating the IV site frequently or using a larger vein, such as a central line, is a standard practice to reduce the risk of phlebitis, a common complication of Amphotericin B treatment. This statement is correct and does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Choice D reason:
Amphotericin B is indeed used for the treatment of systemic fungal infections. This statement is factually accurate and does not suggest any misunderstanding on the part of the nursing student. Therefore, it does not indicate a need for further teaching.
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