A nurse is caring for a client brought to the emergency room with acute chest pain. The client is being worked up for possible acute myocardial infarction (MI). The client asks why blood is being drawn for cardiac enzymes. What should the nurse explain to the client regarding why the cardiac enzyme troponin is being collected?

"These tests will enable the provider to determine the heart structure and mobility of the heart valves."

"Cardiac enzymes assist in diagnosing the presence of congestive heart failure."

"Cardiac enzymes like troponin shows there has been damage to the heart tissues and muscle."

"Cardiac enzymes will identify the exact location of the MI."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) "These tests will enable the provider to determine the heart structure and mobility of the heart valves." This statement is incorrect because cardiac enzyme tests, including troponin levels, do not assess heart structure or valve mobility. Imaging studies like echocardiograms are typically used for evaluating heart structure and function.

B) "Cardiac enzymes assist in diagnosing the presence of congestive heart failure." While cardiac enzymes can provide some information about heart function, they are not specifically used to diagnose congestive heart failure. The primary role of cardiac enzymes, particularly troponin, is in diagnosing myocardial injury, such as an acute myocardial infarction.

C) "Cardiac enzymes like troponin shows there has been damage to the heart tissues and muscle." This statement accurately reflects the purpose of measuring troponin levels. Troponin is a protein released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells are damaged, making it a crucial biomarker for diagnosing an acute myocardial infarction.
D) "Cardiac enzymes will identify the exact location of the MI." This statement is misleading. While troponin levels can indicate that damage has occurred, they do not provide information about the specific location of the myocardial infarction. Other imaging techniques, such as an angiogram, are needed to determine the exact location of blockages or damage.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Increase of high-density lipoproteins: While higher levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are generally associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, enalapril is not primarily used to target lipid levels. Its main purpose is to manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart failure and renal complications, rather than specifically affecting HDL levels.

B) Decreased pain from intermittent claudication: Intermittent claudication is typically related to peripheral artery disease, which may not be directly improved by enalapril. While managing blood pressure can indirectly benefit circulation, enalapril is not indicated specifically for alleviating pain associated with claudication.

C) Decreased blood pressure: Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor used primarily to treat hypertension. A significant decrease in blood pressure is a direct therapeutic effect of the medication, indicating that it is effectively managing the client’s condition. Monitoring blood pressure helps assess the medication's efficacy in achieving the desired therapeutic outcome.

D) Decrease in low-density lipoproteins: Although reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels can benefit cardiovascular health, enalapril is not primarily prescribed for this purpose. Its effects on lipid levels are minimal compared to its role in lowering blood pressure and protecting renal function, making a decrease in LDL levels an irrelevant indicator of its therapeutic effect.

A. Ambulating soon after surgery B. Flexing her ankles C. Massaging her legs D. Elevating her feet

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Ambulating soon after surgery: Early ambulation is encouraged for postoperative clients to promote circulation and reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Mobilizing helps prevent stasis of blood in the veins, making this an appropriate action rather than an unsafe one.

B) Flexing her ankles: Ankle flexion exercises can help improve venous return and circulation in the lower extremities. This action is generally recommended to prevent VTE, making it a safe and beneficial practice for postoperative clients.

C) Massaging her legs: Massaging the legs is considered unsafe for a client at risk for VTE. This action can dislodge a thrombus (blood clot) if one is present, leading to potential complications such as pulmonary embolism. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid leg massages.
D) Elevating her feet: Elevating the feet is a recommended practice to promote venous return and reduce swelling in postoperative clients. This action can help prevent VTE and is generally considered safe and beneficial.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is taking enalapril (Vasotec). Which of the following outcomes indicates a therapeutic effect of the medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and is at risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following unsafe actions?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is educating the patient about the diagnosis of hypertension. Which statement made by the nurse is most accurate?

A nurse is caring for a client who reports an area of redness, warmth, tenderness and pain in the right calf. The nurse anticipates which of the following orders when notifying the provider of this finding?

A nurse is caring for a client who is being administered spironolactone (Aldactone). Which of the following laboratory values should be monitored due to taking this medication?

The nurse is providing a client with teaching regarding a new diagnosis of peripheral venous disease (PVD). Which client statement indicates the client understood the education provided? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is assessing a client who has chronic venous insufficiency. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The nurse is planning to teach a client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) about measures to limit disease progression. Which interventions would the nurse include for this client? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a family history of hypertension. The nurse should inform the client that his blood pressure of 130/82 mm Hg places him in which of the following categories?