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?

A) Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking is one of the most critical interventions for clients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Smoking contributes to vascular damage and worsens arterial circulation, so cessation can significantly slow disease progression and improve overall cardiovascular health.
B) Wear compression stockings: While compression stockings may be helpful for venous conditions, they are generally not recommended for clients with PAD. In fact, they can impair arterial flow, so this intervention should not be included in the teaching plan.

C) Use a heating pad directly on the legs: Using a heating pad directly on the legs is unsafe for clients with PAD, as it can lead to burns or injuries due to impaired sensation in the extremities. Additionally, excessive heat can exacerbate circulation issues.

D) Exercising will help increase circulation: Regular exercise is beneficial for clients with PAD. Supervised exercise programs, such as walking, can improve circulation and enhance functional capacity, helping to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

E) Soak feet in hot water daily: Soaking feet in hot water can pose risks, particularly for individuals with PAD, as they may have reduced sensation and are at higher risk for burns or injuries. This practice should not be recommended.

F) Decrease saturated fats in daily diet: Reducing saturated fats in the diet can help improve overall cardiovascular health and lower cholesterol levels, which is beneficial for clients with PAD. A heart-healthy diet can help limit disease progression and improve circulation.

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.