A nurse is providing care for a client who experienced a myocardial infarction prior to a cardiac arrest. Which of the following laboratory tests will identify early injury to the cardiac muscle?

The correct answer is choice D. Administer analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hr.

This is because the child is at risk for developing peritonitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain.

Scheduled analgesics can provide better pain relief than PRN analgesics.

Choice A is wrong because the child should not be given anything by mouth until bowel sounds return, which can take up to 24 hr after surgery.

Giving clear liquids too soon can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.

Choice B is wrong because cromolyn nebulized solution is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat appendicitis.

There is no indication that the child has asthma or needs this medication.

Choice C is wrong because applying a warm compress to the operative site can increase inflammation and infection risk.

A cold compress can be used to reduce swelling and pain, but only if prescribed by the provider.

Tell the client, “You seem to be very upset.”.

This is an example of a therapeutic communication technique that validates the client’s feelings and encourages them to express their emotions verbally rather than physically. It also shows empathy and respect for the client’s perspective.

Choice A is wrong because engaging the panic alarm is not the first action to take when interacting with an agitated client.

The nurse should first try to calm the client down by using verbal and nonverbal communication skills, such as maintaining eye contact, speaking in a calm and clear voice, and avoiding sudden movements or gestures.

Engaging the panic alarm should be done only if the client becomes violent or poses a threat to themselves or others.

Choice B is wrong because using a face shield with a mask when providing care to the client is not relevant to the situation.

This is a personal protective equipment (PPE) that is used to prevent exposure to infectious agents or body fluids, not to manage agitation.

Using a face shield with a mask may also increase the client’s anxiety or paranoia, as they may perceive it as a sign of hostility or fear.

Choice D is wrong because initiating seclusion protocol is not appropriate for a client who is agitated, pacing, and speaking loudly.

Seclusion is a restrictive intervention that involves isolating the client in a locked room to prevent harm to themselves or others.

It should be used only as a last resort when less restrictive measures have failed or are contraindicated, and only with a provider’s order and close monitoring.

Secluding an agitated client may escalate their behavior and violate their rights.

Normal ranges for agitation are not applicable, as agitation is not a quantifiable parameter.

However, some tools that can be used to assess agitation include the Richmond AgitationSedation Scale (RASS), which ranges from -5 (unarousable) to +4 (combative), and the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS), which ranges from 14 (no agitation) to 56 (severe agitation).