A nurse is following protocol for preventing puncture injuries. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A.

A. Troponin is a protein released into the bloodstream when there is damage to the heart muscle (myocardium), such as during a heart attack. Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial injury or damage, making this the correct choice for indicating myocardial damage.

B. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube of blood. It is a non-specific marker of inflammation and is not specific to myocardial damage.

C. Human B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is released by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume. Elevated levels are indicative of heart failure, not necessarily myocardial damage.

D. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) measures the time it takes for blood to clot. It is used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy and is not specific to myocardial

damage.

A. Povidone-iodine may be used as a wound cleanser, but the method described here (using cotton balls) is not typically recommended as it can leave fibers in the wound.

B. Administering oral analgesia prior to wound irrigation may be appropriate for pain management but is not directly related to understanding wound irrigation technique.

C. Warming irrigation solution in a microwave oven can lead to uneven heating and potential tissue damage. This method is not recommended for warming irrigation solution.

D. Irrigating the wound from the top to the bottom ensures that contaminants are flushed away from the wound site, reducing the risk of infection and promoting healing. This indicates an understanding of proper wound irrigation technique.