A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage cancer and is receiving chemotherapy. The client tells the nurse, "I want to discontinue treatment, but my children insist I continue." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• Myocardial infarction: The rising troponin levels (Troponin T increasing from 0.08 ng/mL to 0.2 ng/mL and Troponin I rising from 0.01 ng/mL to 0.1 ng/mL) indicate myocardial injury. Persistent chest tightness, shortness of breath, diaphoresis, and anxiety suggest ongoing ischemia. The lack of complete pain relief after nitroglycerin further supports myocardial infarction rather than stable angina.
• Pulmonary embolism: Shortness of breath is a symptom of pulmonary embolism, but the absence of acute hypoxia, pleuritic chest pain, or significant coagulation abnormalities makes this less likely. The client's symptoms and laboratory findings more strongly support a cardiac etiology.
• Bleeding: While thrombolytic therapy increases bleeding risk, the aPTT (32 seconds) and platelet count (350,000/mm³) are within normal limits. There are no reported signs of active bleeding, such as hypotension, bruising, or hematuria, making this a less relevant immediate concern.
• Shortness of breath: Often present in myocardial infarction due to decreased cardiac output and pulmonary congestion. The combination of chest pain, diaphoresis, and dyspnea suggests worsening ischemia rather than a primary pulmonary process. However, it is a nonspecific symptom that can also indicate pulmonary embolism or respiratory distress.
• aPTT levels: Normal at 32 seconds (reference: 30–40 seconds), which suggests no immediate risk of abnormal clotting or excessive anticoagulation. This finding does not directly indicate myocardial infarction but is important in monitoring bleeding risk with thrombolytic therapy. A significantly elevated aPTT could raise concern for hemorrhagic complications.
• Elevated troponin levels: A highly specific marker for myocardial injury. The rise in Troponin T and Troponin I over time confirms myocardial damage, distinguishing acute coronary syndrome from stable angina. This trend is critical in diagnosing myocardial infarction, as troponin elevation correlates with the extent of cardiac muscle injury.

Indication of potential improvement:
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Lung sounds clear

Indication of potential worsening condition:
• WBC count 11,800/mm³
• Temperature 38.5°C (101.3°F)
• Weight 113 kg (249 lb)
• Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL

Rationale:

• Shortness of breath with exertion: Previously, the client had dyspnea at rest. Improvement to exertional dyspnea suggests better fluid balance and cardiac function.

• Lung sounds clear: The initial presence of crackles indicated pulmonary congestion. Clear lung sounds suggest reduced fluid overload, reflecting improved cardiac function.

• WBC count 11,800/mm³: An increasing WBC count suggests a possible infection, which can worsen heart failure by increasing metabolic demands and fluid retention.

• Temperature 38.5°C (101.3°F): Fever indicates a possible infection, such as a UTI, which the client has a history of. Infections can exacerbate heart failure by triggering systemic inflammation and fluid shifts.

• Weight 113 kg (249 lb): Weight gain in heart failure is often due to fluid retention, indicating worsening congestion.

• Creatinine 1.8 mg/dL: A rising creatinine level suggests worsening kidney function, which may result from reduced perfusion due to heart failure or excessive diuresis from furosemide.