A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• 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.

Apply dressing to foot wound: While wound care is important, managing hyperglycemia takes priority. High blood glucose impairs wound healing and increases infection risk, making insulin administration the more urgent intervention. Dressing application should follow glycemic control measures.

Consult outpatient wound care specialist: A wound care consultation is appropriate for managing a chronic ulcer, but immediate intervention is required to stabilize glucose levels. Optimizing wound care should come after initial glucose management.

Schedule appointment with ophthalmologist: Clients with diabetes require routine eye exams due to the risk of diabetic retinopathy. However, addressing hyperglycemia and preventing further infection are more urgent concerns at this time.

Administer regular insulin 4 units subcutaneously x 1 dose: The client's blood glucose is elevated (250 mg/dL), which can impair immune function and tissue healing. Lowering glucose with insulin is the priority to prevent complications such as worsening infection or ketoacidosis.