A nurse is caring for a client admitted with chest pain, and the healthcare provider orders a cardiac biomarker test. Which biomarker is most specific for diagnosing a myocardial infarction (MI)?

Myoglobin.

C-reactive protein (CRP).

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).

Troponin.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) This choice is incorrect because myoglobin is a cardiac biomarker that may be elevated in MI, but it lacks specificity and can also be elevated in other conditions like skeletal muscle injury.

B) This choice is incorrect because C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker and is not specific to MI. It may be elevated in various inflammatory conditions.

C) This choice is incorrect because brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker associated with heart failure and is not specific to diagnosing MI.

D) This choice is correct. Troponin is the most specific biomarker for diagnosing MI. Elevated troponin levels in the blood indicate cardiac muscle damage, making it a reliable marker for myocardial infarction. Troponin levels rise shortly after the onset of MI and remain elevated for several days, making it valuable in both early and delayed MI detection.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) This choice is correct. Administering oxygen therapy is the priority intervention when a client with MI experiences a drop in blood pressure and becomes restless and anxious. Oxygen can improve tissue oxygenation and help stabilize the client's condition.

B) This choice is incorrect because elevating the client's legs may be beneficial in certain situations, but it is not the priority when the client is experiencing a drop in blood pressure and restlessness due to MI.

C) This choice is incorrect because obtaining a 12-lead ECG is important for assessing and diagnosing MI, but it is not the priority when the client's condition is deteriorating rapidly.

D) This choice is incorrect because initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not indicated in this scenario. The client is still conscious and experiencing symptoms, indicating a need for prompt oxygen administration and further assessment.

A. Vasospasm of the coronary arteries. B. Formation of atherosclerotic plaques. C. Inflammation of the heart muscle. D. Increased heart rate and contractility.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) This choice is incorrect because vasospasm of the coronary arteries, known as variant (Prinzmetal) angina, is a type of angina pectoris but not the primary cause of MI. Vasospasms may contribute to the development of unstable angina but are not the primary mechanism leading to MI.

B) This choice is correct. The formation of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries is the primary cause of MI. Atherosclerosis is a gradual process of plaque buildup, narrowing the coronary arteries, and reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. If a plaque ruptures, it can lead to the formation of a blood clot that completely obstructs the artery, causing MI.

C) This choice is incorrect because inflammation of the heart muscle, known as myocarditis, is a separate condition and not the primary cause of MI.

D) This choice is incorrect because increased heart rate and contractility can be associated with certain conditions but are not the primary cause of MI. MI is primarily caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation and subsequent thrombus formation in the coronary arteries.

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A nurse is caring for a client admitted with chest pain, and the healthcare provider orders a cardiac biomarker test. Which biomarker is most specific for diagnosing a myocardial infarction (MI)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client admitted with myocardial infarction (MI). The client's blood pressure drops, and the client becomes restless and anxious. What intervention should the nurse initiate first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client about the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction (MI). What is the primary cause of MI?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with multiple risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) asks the nurse how to lower the risk. What should the nurse recommend as the most effective approach?

A nurse is providing education to a client who recently had an MI about the importance of medication adherence. The client expresses concerns about potential side effects of the prescribed medications. What should the nurse do to address the client's concerns effectively?

A client is undergoing a stress test to evaluate possible myocardial ischemia. What is the primary purpose of this test?

A nurse is caring for a client with a confirmed myocardial infarction (MI) and a history of congestive heart failure (CHF). The client is prescribed a medication to reduce myocardial oxygen demand. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer?

A client is admitted with chest pain, and the nurse is assessing for clinical manifestations of myocardial infarction (MI). Which sign is characteristic of an MI but not usually seen in stable angina?

A client with suspected myocardial infarction (MI) is admitted to the emergency department. The nurse asks the client about the onset and duration of chest pain. Which response should the nurse consider as indicative of an MI?

A nurse is providing education to a client with angina pectoris. What is the nurse's priority teaching point about managing angina episodes?

A client with suspected angina pectoris is scheduled for a coronary angiography. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of the test. How should the nurse respond?